p 

L 

m 

. . T 

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b 

— 


THE  GLOMES 


OP 

THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


TRANSLATED  FROM  TILE  FRENCH 

OP  THE 

VENERABLE  H.  M.  BOUDON ,yV 

ARCHDEACON  OF  EYREUX. 


“  Angelis  suis  mandavit  de.it;  id  custodiant  It  in  omnibus 
t His  tuis.” 

“  He  hath  given  hi8  Angels  charge  over  thee ;  to  keep 
thee  in  all  thy  ways.” — Ps.  90.  v.  11. 

“  Covfirmate  amicitiam  cum  sanctis  Angelis.” 

“  Make  friends  for  yourself  of  the  holy  Angels.” — St.  Leo. 


jfrotrt  &f)tr&  ©uiilm  Hc&tttou, 

CONSIDERABLY  enbarged  and  improved. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

HENRY  McGRATn, 

BosTON^^^nv 

CHStiT^UT  HILL,  . 


CONTENTS. 


PAGB 

Dedicatory  Epistle  to  our  Blessed  Lady  of 
Angels,  .  .  .  .  .  7 

To  my  good  Angel  Guardian,  .  .  .7 

An  Exhortation  to  the  love  and  honour  of  the 
Holy  A  ngels,  .  .  .  .  .8 


DEVOTION  TO  THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 

FIRST  PART. 

Motives  to  love  and  honour  the  Holy  Angels. 

Motive  I. — The  admirable  perfections  of  these 

Blessed  Spirits,  .  .  .16 

II. — The  incomparable  goodness  of  the 

Angels,  .  .  .  .21 

III.  — All  the  Angels  are  employed  in  the 

service  of  Man,  .  .  .24 

IV.  — All  Men  aro  assisted  by  the  Angels,  27 

V. — The  Angels  render  Men  innumer¬ 
able  services,  .  .  .30 

VI. — The  Angels  help  us  in  temporal 

things,  .  .  .  .34 

VII. — The  Angels  assist  us  in  spiritual 

things,  .  .  .  37 

(3) 


4 


CONTENTS. 


PAQX 

VIII. — The  Protection  afforded  to  us  by 
the  Angels  against  the  enemies 
of  our  Salvation,  .  .  .42 

IX. — The  great  helps  of  the  holy  Angels 

afford  us  at  the  hour  of  death,  .  50 

X. — Devct.on  to  the  Holy  Angels  is  a 
sign  of  predestination  to  singular 
glory  in  Heaven,  .  .  53 

XI. — The  Blessed  Virgin  is  glorified  by 

our  devotion  to  the  Angels,  .  56 

XII. — The  honour  of  God  alone  is  con¬ 
nected  -with  the  devotion  to  the 
holy  Angels,  .  .  .50 


SECOND  PART. 

Practices  by  which  ice  may  honour  the  Angels. 

Practice  I. — To  have  a  singular  devotion  to  the 
holy  Spirits  of  the  first  Choir — 
the  Angels,  Archangels  and 
Principalities,  .  .  .64 

II. — To  honour  specially  the  powers, 

Virtues  and  Dominations,  .  68 

III.  — To  entertain  a  profound  respect 

and  extraordinary  love  for  the 
Thrones,  the  Cherubim  and 
Seraphim,  .  .  .71 

IV.  — To  have  a  great  devotion  to  the  . 

Seven  Spirits  who  are  before 
the  Throne,  .  .  .  .74 

V. — To  converse  interiorly  with  the 

Angels,  .  .  .  .77 

VI. — To  make  Novenas  in  honour  of 
the  Holy  Angels — to  take  cer¬ 
tain  days  to  honour  them — and 
to  celebrate  their  Feasts  with 
particular  devotion,  .  .  82 


CONTENTS. 


5 


PAGE 

VII. — To  have  a  great  confidence  in  the 
Angels,  and  recur  to  them  in  all 
necessities,  .  .  .87 

VIII. — To  labour  for  the  conversion  of 
Sinners  and  the  release  of  souls 
from  Purgatory — and  to  practice 
virtue,  &c.,  in  honour  of  the 
Angels,  .  .  .  .89 

IX. — To  endeavour  to  extend  the  De¬ 
votion  to  the  Angels,  .  .  93 

A  Plan  of  an  Association  for  the  continued  Ve¬ 
neration  of  the  Holy  Angels,  .  .  .94 

The  Month  of  October,  dedicated  to  the  Holy 
Angels,  by  a  series  of  pious  practices,  .  97 

A  Memorare  to  the  Angels,  .  .  .98 

A  Prayer  to  our  Angel  Guardian,  .  .  128 


APPENDIX. 

To  the  Month  of  the  Holy  Angels. 


The  Little  Office  of  the  Holy  Angels,  .  .  133 

Te  Deurn  Laudamus,  ....  139 

Ave  Regina  Ccelorum,  ....  141 

Benedicite ;  or  Canticle  of  the  Hebrew  Child¬ 
ren,  ......  141 

Gloria  in  Excelsis,  ....  143 

Anthem  to  the  Blessed  Virgin,  “  Alma  Redemp- 
toris,”  .....  144 

Hymn  of  the  Angels,  ....  144 

He  who  dwells  in  the  help  of  the  Most  High, 

&c.  Psalm  90,  ...  145 

Litany  of  the  Saints  specially  favoured  by  the 
Angels,  .....  147 

Beads  of  the  Holy  Angels,  .  .  .  149 

Litany  of  the  Holy  Angels,  .  .  .  149 

Litany  of  the  Angel  Guardian,  .  .  152 


6 


CONTENTS. 


PA68 

Hymn  to  the  Glorious  Virgin,  hy  Blosius,  .  153 
Prayer  to  the  Holy  Virgin,  .  .  .  155 

A  Novena,  or  nine  days’  devotion,  for  the  feast 
of  the  Angel  Guardians,  .  .  .  156 

Good  Thoughts  for  every  day  in  the  week,  .  157 

A  Prayer  to  obtain  the  grace  of  dying  well,  .  159 

The  Little  Office  of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
of  the  ever  glorious  and  blessed  Virgin  Mary,  159 
Litany  of  the  holy  Archangels,  St.  Michael,  St. 

Gabriel,  and  St.  Raphael,  .  .  .170 

Prayer  to  St.  Michael,  .  .  .  .171 

- to  St.  Gabriel,  .  •  .  .  .  172 

- to  St.  Raphael,  ....  172 

Litany  of  Saints  Peter  and  Paul,  .  .  173 

Litany  of  St.  Elizabeth  of  Hungary,  .  .  175 

An  exquisite  Effusion  of  a  celebrated  French 
Poet,  to  a  Lamp  suspended  before  the  Holy 
Tabernacle,  .....  177 
Litany  of  St.  Catherine  of  Sienna,  .  .  178 

An  improved  Litany  of  St.  Bridget,  Patroness 
of  Ireland,  .....  180 
Litany  of  the  Irish  Saints,  to  implore  their  pro¬ 
tection  in  all  our  wants,  but  particularly  for 
the  existing  necessities  of  the  Church  in 
Ireland,  .  .  .  .  .181 

Litany  of  St.  Mary  Magdalen,  .  .  .  1S4 

Litany  of  Blessed  Alphonsus  Rodriguez,  .  185 

For  Christmas — Jesus  in  his  Incarnation  and 
Nativity,  .  .  .  .  .188 

Hymns,  ....  .  190 

Rules  of  a  Christian  Life. — On  the  means  of 
continuing  in  the  grace  of  God.  .  .  206 


DEDICATORY  EPISTLE 

TO  OUR  BLESSED  LADY  OF  ANGELS. 


Great  Queen  of  Paradise !  Sovereign  of  those 
holy  spirits  who  are  confirmed  in  grace  and  glory ! 
prostrate  at  your  feet,  where  the  greatest  sinners  ob¬ 
tain  pardon — the  weak,  strength — the  tepid,  for- 
vour — and  the  just,  sanctity — I  offer  and  present  to 
you  this  little  work,  designed  to  promote  the  know¬ 
ledge  and  love  of  the  Holy  Angels,  your  faithful 
subjects,  and  the  illustrious  Princes  of  your  celestial 
Court.  To  whom  could  I  more  justly  dedicate  it, 
since,  as  the  mistress  of  these  glorious  Spirits,  you 
must  be  of  all  others  most  interested  for  their  glory. 
Besides,  blessed  mother !  you  know  (and  it  is  grati¬ 
fying  to  me  to  repeat  it)  that  I  have  nothing  which 
is  not  yours — for  I  consider  it  a  greater  happiness 
to  be  your  slave,  than  to  enjoy  all  the  honours  the 
world  could  bestow.  Bless,  then,  0  holy  Virgin  ! 
this  little  work;  diffuse  upon  it  your  choicest  bene¬ 
dictions;  make  it  evident  that  it  is  all  yours,  by  the 
unction  which  will  be  found  in  every  page — that 
through  the  adorable  merits  of  Jesus,  your  beloved 
Son,  it  may  establish  among  men  a  true  and  fervent 
devotion  to  the  Holy  Angels,  to  the  honour  of  God 
alone,  our  beginning,  our  last  end,  our  only  all  in 
all  things — God  alone  !  God  alone  !  God  alone  ! 


TO  MY  GOOD  ANGEL  GUARDIAN. 

Most  faithful  Guardian  of  all  that  I  am  !  when  I 

G) 


8 


DEVOTION  TO 


reflect  on  my  ingratitude  and  your  unceasing  cares, 
my  mind  is  bewildered,  and  I  know  not  what  to 
say,  but  that  you  are  a  heavenly  Intelligence,  a 
Spirit  of  Light  and  Love,  and  a  Prince  of  the  celes¬ 
tial  realms — while  I  am  but  dust  and  ashes,  a 
miserable  sinner,  and  the  last  of  men.  Great  Prince  ! 
why  do  you  love  me  so  tenderly  ?  why  is  there  not 
one  moment  of  my  life  undistinguished  by  your 
favours  ?  What  shall  I  render  you  in  return  for 
them  ?  I  have  nothing  to  offer,  dear  Guardian  of 
my  heart,  except  the  firm  resolution  of  loving  you 
henceforward  with  your  blessed  companions  in 
glory.  Present  my  resolution,  together  with  this 
little  work,  to  those  holy  choirs ;  it  will  be  better 
received  from  you ;  and  tell  them,  in  your  angelic 
manner,  how  sorry  I  am  for  not  having  always  lpved 
them.  Tell  them  how  much  I  wish  to  see  their  de¬ 
votion  extended,  and  that  all  men  should  know7  and 
love  the  Holy  Angels,  for  the  glory  of  God  alone. 
It  is  this  God  alone,  most  amiable  of  friends  !  that  I 
desire  in  all  things.  Amen — Amen — God  alone  ! 
God  alone  !  God  alone  !  the  end  of  all  devotion  to 
the  glorious  Virgin,  the  Angels  and  Saints.  Amen. 


AN  EXHORTATION  TO  THE  LOVE  AND 
HONOUR  OF  THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 

The  scionce  of  the  sage,  says  the  Holy  Ghost,  is 
like  in  its  abundance  to  an  inundation  of  waters  : 
for,  as  the  land  is  sometimes  overspread  by  the 
swelling  of  the  sea  over  its  boundaries — so  the  mind 
of  a  Christian  is  sometimes  so  penetrated  with  the 
lights  of  faith,  that  it  is  absorbed  in  wonder  and 
amazement.  This  assertion  is  fully  verified  in  the 
knowledge  which  revelation  gives  of  the  Holy 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS 


9 


ingels.  However  slightly  we  consider  what  it 
teaches  of  them,  we  discover  so  many  and  such 
powerful  reasons  to  love  these  blessed  Spirits,  that 
we  cannot  refuse  to  do  so.  We  may  desire  to  declare 
our  sentiments  on  this  matter,  but  we  are  not  able. 
It  is  the  property  of  great  things  to  baffle  descrip¬ 
tion.  and  the  motives  which  challenge  our  love  for 
the  Holy  Angels  are  inexpressible;  but  love  being 
inflexible  and  “strong  as  death,”  it  must  appear  in 
some  way.  So  if  it  be  difficult  to  speak  of  these 
holy  Spirits,  it  would  be  much  more  so  to  be  “  silent 
in  their  praise.” 

All  possible  motives  concur  in  pressing  you  to 
love  these  Spirits  of  love.  If  you  regard  God,  you 
must  love  his  Angels ;  if  you  regard  yourself,  you 
must  love  the  Angels.  Pure  love  commands  it — 
interested  love  requires  it — God  alone  wishes  it — 
the  holy  Virgin  and  all  the  Saints  desire  it. 

If  you  live  to  God  alone,  you  must  be  devout  to 
the  Angels;  even  though  you  still  live  to  natrue, 
you  must  love  these  blessed  Spirits.  We  are  differ¬ 
ently  affected — some  are  attracted  by  honours,  somo 
by  riches,  and  others  by  pleasure.  If  pleasure  at¬ 
tract  you,  these  blessed  Spirits  can  procure  it  for 
you,  for  they  are  placed  at  tho  source  of  eternal 
joy.  If  you  wish  to  have  the  interest  of  the  mighty, 
ihere  is  nothing  in  created  being  more  powerful 
•.ban  the  angelic  nature.  If  you  sigh  after  great¬ 
ness,  know  that  these  peers  of  the  celestial  realms 
procure  for  their  clients  the  sceptre  of  immortal 
ionour  and  the  diadem  of  unfading  glory.  Ah ! 
how  different  are  the  dispositions  of  the  Angels, 
compared  with  those  of  the  great  ones  of  this  earth ! 
These  wish  to  reign  alone,  whereas  the  highest  am¬ 
bition  of  those  princes  of  love  is  to  share  their 
thrones  with  us,  that  wo  may  partake  in  their  fe¬ 
licity.  If  you  are  captivated  by  beauty,  learn  that 
the  Angels  are  beautiful  beyond  description,  and 


10 


DEVOTION  TO 


that  their  beauty  is  not  subject  to  decay.  Besides, 
the  love  and  constancy  of  these  amiable  friends  are 
incomparable  ;  the  former  includes  every  species  of 
love — the  latter  is  so  great  that  whatever  ingrati- 
tude  wo  evince  towards  them,  they  seem  to  over¬ 
look  it,  incessantly  watching  over  all  that  concerns 
us,  defending  us  against  our  enemies,  and  render¬ 
ing  us  every  service.  If  you  are  of  those  souls  who 
act  by  the  movements  of  grace,  and  live  to  God 
alone,  you  must  love  the  Angels.  If  the  motive  of 
the  will  of  God  influence  you,  you  must  be  devout 
to  them,  since  these  blessed  Spirits  are  the  objects  of 
his  complacency  and  the  master-pieces  of  his  love. 
Wo  often  err  in  the  choice  of  friends,  but  we  cannot 
be  deceived  in  loving  those  whom  God  wishes  us  to 
love ;  and  in  the  case  before  us,  he  himself  sets  the 
example  Here  it  is,  0  heart  of  man  !  that  you 
must  cease  to  be  a  heart,  or  love  the  Angels — for 
where  will  you  go  to  defend  yourself  from  the  ar¬ 
rows  of  their  charity  ?  If  you  ascend  to  Heaven 
you  will  be  enraptured  with  the  transcendent  beauty 
of  these  Holy  Spirits — if  you  traverse  the  earth,  its 
elements,  tiro,  air,  earth  and  water,  recount  their 
love.  The  sun,  by  his  vivifying  influence  on  this 
nether  globe,  announces  this  truth  from  day  to  day ; 
the  aurora  which  precedes  the  dawn,  proclaims  the 
loving  cares  of  these  spiritual  stars  of  the  morning 
of  the  world;  the  most  obscure  nights  are  not  so 
gloomy  as  to  conceal  their  bounties — their  lights 
never  diminish.  These  sentinels,  planted  on  the 
watch  towers  of  Israel,  defend  its  gates  night  and 
day.  If  we  descend  to  Purgatory,  we  shall  see  the 
love  of  those  blessed  Spirits  burn  with  more  inten¬ 
sity  for  the  poor  prisoners  than  the  flames  which 
purify  them.  Nor  are  infidel  kingdoms  nor  remote 
nations  abandoned  by  them.  They  help  sinners  as 
well  as  the  just  ;  no  barbarian — no  creature,  how 
wicked  soever,  is  deemed  unworthy  of  their  cares. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


11 


Now,  are  not  these  powerful  motives  to  lore  the 
Angels  ? — and  if  our  hearts  were  not  dull  and  heavy 
indeed,  would  we  be  insensible  to  them?  0!  let 
us  here  shed  floods  of  tears  over  our  blindness  and 
insensibility — for,  after  all,  these  blessed  spirits  are 
little  loved.  It  is  truo  that  some  persons  honour  the 
Angels  Guardians :  but  how  many  honour  the 
Cherubim,  the  Seraphim,  or  the  other  choirs?  I 
know  that  this  arises  from  their  not  being  interior — 
for  alas  !  men  are  so  absorbed  in  earthly  cares,  so 
besotted  with  the  pleasures  of  sense,  that  they  aro 
little  affected  by  spiritual  things.  There  are  indeed, 
a  few,  whose  detachment  from  earth  renders  them 
susceptible  of  the  purest  elevations  of  grace — yet 
even  many  of  these  do  not  extend  their  devotion  be¬ 
yond  the  Angels  Guardians;  they  are  quite  unmind¬ 
ful  of  the  higher  choirs.  And  why  ?  when  the  more 
elevated  they  are,  the  greater  is  their  power  and 
love,  and  the  more  there  is  of  God  in  them — which 
is,  .. ii,u  those  that  love  purely,  the  motive  of  mo¬ 
tives.  If  the  kings  of  the  earth  were  willing  to  re¬ 
ceive  you  into  their  friendship,  surely  you  would 
not  refuse  it.  Now,  consider  that  it  depends  on 
yourself  to  form  an  eternal  alliance  with  the  hea¬ 
venly  Princes,  and  by  their  influence  to  be  one  day 
crowned  with  them  in  the  celestial  empire. 

Here  I  must  confess,  I  would  wish  to  do  all  in  my 
power  to  awaken  and  diffuse  among  men  a  little  de¬ 
votion  to  the  Angels.  This  it  is  that  induces  me  to 
give  this  little  book  to  the  public,  of  which  I  have 
been  thinking  for  many  years.  I  have  so  much 
reason  to  believe  that  God  requires  it  from  me,  that 
it  would  be  a  great  infidelity  to  refuse  it;  after  our 
little  tracts  on  “God  alone;”  on  “the  Love  of 
Jesus  in  iho  adorable  Sacrament;”  on  “  the  admira¬ 
ble  Mother  of  God,”  <fcc. — it  is  but  just  that  I  should 
write  something  for  the  Holy  Angels.  It  may,  per¬ 
haps,  be  said,  that  books  of  devotion  are  already 


12 


DEVOTION  TO 


numerous  enough;  hut  the  glorious  Saint  Francis 
tie  Sales  has  long  since  replied  to  that  objection. 
Alas  !  why  not  complain  that  persons  are  almost 
always  speaking  of  the  world :  their  whole  occupa¬ 
tion  is  with  whatever  strikes  the  senses.  How  few 
in  a  whole  city  entertain  themselves  with  God,  or 
the  dear  ways  which  lead  to  him !  How  many  let¬ 
ters  are  every  day  written  throughout  the  world, 
and  how  few  of  them  regard  the  interest  of  God  ! 
Some  are  about  lands,  or  money,  or  goods  ;  others 
are  to  gain  or  to  preserve  the  friendship  and  esteem 
of  creatures.  0  blindness  of  the  human  mind  !  0 

obduracy  of  the  human  heart !  Truly  it  demands 
tears  of  blood,  to  say  after  this,  that  there  is  too 
much  written  for  the  love  arid  interest  of  God. 
Abominable  world  !  I  shall  ever  hold  you  in  detesta¬ 
tion.  I  care  little  for  what  you  say — God  alone  ! 
God  alone !  God  alone !  is  sufficient  for  me  :  jmur 
esteem  merits  not  a  single  thought.  If  it  ..id, 
that  our  style  is  low,  we  are  quite  satisfied  :  it  is  this 
which  gives  us  greater  reason  to  expect  upon  it  the 
divine  benediction  ;  because,  where  there  is  least 
of  the  creature,  there  is  most  of  God.  My  nothing¬ 
ness  supports  me  in  this  little  work,  since  it  is  from 
nothing  God  has  drawn  his  most  stupendous  works. 
Confiding  in  the  protection  of  Jesus  and  Mary,  and 
in  the  help  of  the  Holy  Angels,  I  undertake  it.  I 
could  wish  to  go  from  city  to  city — from  kingdom 
to  kingdom — to  proclaim  the  perfections  of  these 
holy  Spirits,  and  the  motives  we  have  to  love  them. 
I  could  wish  to  cry  aloud  in  the  streets  and  publio 
places — 0  men  !  love  and  honour  the  Angels  !  St. 
John  Chrysostom  wished  that  these  words  of  Eccle¬ 
siastes — “  Vanity  of  vanities,  and  all  is  vanity,”  woro 
written  on  the  doors  of  all  public  and  private  build¬ 
ings,  that  men  might  ever  have  in  view  the  empti¬ 
ness  of  human  things ;  and,  for  my  part,  I  would 
desire  the  same,  for  these  words  of  St.  Leo — “  0 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


13 


men  !  make  yourselves  friends  of  the  Angels.”  I 
■would  wish  that  sermons  were  preached  to  manifest 
their  greatness,  and  that  their  excellencies  were 
made  the  subject  of  private  conversations. 

After  all,  we  can  never  worthily  acquit  ourselves 
of  our  obligations  to  these  amiable  Spirits.  Hence 
the  holy  Fathers  use  every  argument  to  induce  us  to 
love  them,  and  point  out  to  us  a  variety  of  ways 
whereby  to  testify  our  devotion  towards  them. 
Among  the  rest,  St.  Denis,  a  contemporary  of  the 
Apostles,  and  filled  with  their  spirit,  tvrote  admira¬ 
ble  things  of  these  holy  Spirits,  and  delighted  in 
taking  the  name  “  Philange,”  which  means  “  Friend 
of  the  Angels.” 

0  amiable  Spirits!  my  greatest  ambition  is  to  bo 
honoured  with  your  friendship,  I  love  you — obtain 
that  I  may  love  you  more.  I  have  nothing  more 
valuable  than  my  heart — I  place  it  in  your  hands, 
that  it  may  love  but  what  you  love,  God  alone.  I 
possess  nothing  more  precious  than  my  life — I  con¬ 
secrate  it  entirely  to  your  houour.  0  !  that  I  could 
build  churches  and  erect  oratories  to  you — that  I 
could  establish  sodalities,  whose  end  would  be,  to 
espouse  your  interest  and  make  known  your  glories. 
But,  since  this  is  impracticable,  I  shall  say  in  these 
few  linos,  that  you  are  amiable  and  loving,  yet  very 
little  loved.  I  shall  say,  0  men  !  love  the  Angels — 
they  are  faithful  friends,  powerful  protectors,  wise 
masters,  tender  parents,  affectionate  brothers.  Love 
the  Angels,  apostolic  men  !  for  they  are  the  mis¬ 
sionaries  of  paradise.  Love  the  Angels,  preachers 
of  the  world  1  they  are  profoundly  skilled  in  the 
science  of  eternity.  Love  the  Angels,  priests !  for 
it  is  by  their  ministry  the  divine  oblation  is  made. 
Love  the  Angels,  religious  !  those  admirable  spirits 
are  always  retired  in  God.  Love  the  Angels,  secu¬ 
lars  !  those  good  intelligences  pity  you  in  the  dan¬ 
gers  to  which  you  are  continually  exposed.  Love 


14 


DEVOTION  TO 


the  Angels,  married  persons !  the  succour  afforded 
Tobias  by  the  Archangel  Raphaol,  evinces  the  care  of 
your  state.  Love  the  Angels,  widows  and  orphans ! 
they  are  indefatigable  in  providing  for  persons  in 
distress.  Love  the  Angels,  virgins ;  again  I  say  to 
you,  love  the  Angels  !  they  are  great  friends  of  vir¬ 
ginity,  being  charmed  to  see  frail  mortals  live  on 
earth  as  they  live  in  heaven.  Love  the  Angels,  just 
souls  !  they  are  infallible  guides  in  the  way  to  God 
Love  the  Angels,  sinners  !  they  will  obtain  your 
pardon.  Love  the  Angels,  afflicted  souls!  they  are 
the  consolation  of  the  miserable,  and  the  help  of  tha 
distressed.  Love  the  Angels,  ye  rich  and  great ! 
they  will  teach  you  that  nothing  is  worth  regarding 
but  eternity. 

Love  the  Seraphim,  0  men !  they  are  the  princes 
of  puro  lovo.  Love  the  Cherubim,  they  are  skilled 
in  the  scienco  of  the  saints.  Love  the  Thrones, 
they  patronize  peace  of  heart  and  tranquillity  of 
soul.  Lovo  the  Dominations,  they  will  teach  you 
the  art  of  self-government.  Love  the  Virtues,  they 
are  masters  in  the  school  of  perfection.  Love  the 
Powers,  they  are  your  defence.  Love  the  Princi¬ 
palities,  they  preside  over  states  and  kingdoms. 
Love  the  Archangels,  they  are  zealous  for  your  well¬ 
being,  and  obtain  for  you  a  thousand  benedictions. 
Lovo  the  Angels,  they  are  celestial  stars,  whose 
influence  we  oftener  feel,  because  placed  nearer  to 
this  nether  sphere.  Henceforward  be  all  love  for 
those  blessod  spirits,  who  so  ardently  love  you. 

Bless  them,  my  God !  those  who  are  devout  to 
your  Angels.  Bless  those  who  on  reading  this  poor 
little  work  will  give  themselves  to  this  devotion. 
Bless  them  with  the  benedictions  of  the  just,  making 
them  walk  in  your  ways.  Bless  them  with  the 
benediction  of  ^braham,  the  spirit  of  sacrifice — with 
the  benediction  of  Isaac,  the  spirit  of  conformity — 
with  the  spirit  of  Jacob,  the  spirit  of  livoly  faith. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


15 


Bless  them  -with  the  benediction  of  the  elect. 
Bless  them  with  tho  benediction  of  the  Angels, 
making  them  sharers  in  your  never-ending  joys  ! 
Great  and  august  Queen  of  Paradise,  bless  them  with 
your  protection — that,  being  all  united  in  seeking 
the  interest  of  God  alone,  God  alone  may  reign  in 
their  hearts  for  ever.  Amen. 


16 


DEVOTION  TO 


DEVOTION  TO  THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 

jftrst  art. 

MOTIVE  THE  FIRST. 

The  admirable  perfections  of  these  Blessed  Spirits. 

We  have  already  said,  and  again  repeat, 
that  the  perfection  of  the  Angels  is  like  to 
an  immense  sea  without  shore  or  bottom. 
Enlightened  souls  feel  that  all  they  can 
say  of  them  is  nothing,  their  greatness  be¬ 
ing  above  the  reach  of  human  thought. 
The  angelic  nature  contains  in  itself  a  world 
of  perfections  :  but  if  we  add  to  it  the  con¬ 
sideration  of  their  grace  and  glory,  it  is 
truly  admirable.  However  perfect  human 
nature  may  become,  it  is  still,  as  faith 
teaches,  very  inferior  to  the  angelic  nature. 
A  certain  theologian  has  asserted,  (although 
indeed  it  be  not  the  common  opiuion,)  that 
the  least  of  the  Angels  exceeds  in  glory  the 
greatest  of  the  saints — and  he  grounded  hia 
opinion  on  this  text  of  the  Holy  Scripture, 
u  He  who  is  least  in  the  kingdom  of  hea¬ 
ven  is  greater  than  John  the  Baptist.” 

The  Angels  are  spiritual  beings,  incor¬ 
ruptible  in  their  nature,  perfectly  disei* 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


17 


gaged  from  matter,  and  quite  free  from  the 
miseries  to  which  we  are  incident.  They 
possess  wonderful  intelligence ;  what  the 
greatest  geniuses  have  not  been  ab-le  to 
comprehend,  is  perfectly  understood  by 
them.  They  know  many  things  in  one  and 
the  same  moment,  and  without  the  least 
difficulty.  Their  manner  of  understanding 
is  not  like  ours ;  at  the  first  sight  which 
they  have  of  a  thing,  they  know  its  whole 
import,  and  all  its  consequences — hence 
they  are  called  by  excellence  “  Intelli¬ 
gences.  ”  The  Scripture,  to  declare  to  us 
this  admirable  faculty  of  theirs,  says  that 
they  are  clothed  in  burning  fire.  In  the 
Apocalypse  they  are  represented  in  the  ha¬ 
bits  of  the  ancient  pontiffs,  to  give  us  to 
understand,  that  to  these  holy  spirits  the 
most  sacred  mysteries  of  religion  are  re¬ 
vealed,  and  as  if  enveloped  in  clouds,  their 
lights  being  too  brilliant  for  our  weak  vi¬ 
sion.  The  most  learned  men  are  ignorant, 
if  compared  with  these  pure  intelligences. 

The  power  of  the  Angels  is  incredible — 
one  alone  of  these  blessed  spirits  being 
able  to  defeat  millions  of  armed  men — nay, 
the  whole  world  put  together.  [We  are 
told  in  the  Book  of  Kings,  that  an  Angel 
slew  in  one  night  85,000  of  the  Assyrians, 

2 


18 


DEVOTION  TO 


the  enemies  of  the  people  of  God.]  They 
can  make  the  winds  blow,  the  rain  fall,  the 
thunder  roar :  they  can  raise  tempests, 
cause  earthquakes,  give  abundance  and  fa¬ 
mine,  cure  and  inflict  all  sorts  of  maladies, 
and  operate  many  other  things,  almost  in  a 
moment.  It  is  to  mark  their  celerity  that 
they  are  painted  with  wings;  it  surpasses 
that  of  the  wind  :  in  an  instant,  they  can 
pass  from  one  end  of  the  world  to  the  other 
— being  thus,  in  some  sense,  everywhere, 
as  Tertullian  says. 

But  their  beauty  is  enrapturing :  the 
greatest  beauty  on  earth  is  deformity  in 
comparison  with  them,  and  the  least  beau¬ 
tiful  among  the  Angels  possesses  more 
charms  than  all  earthly  beauties  together. 
Here  the  mind  is  lost  in  the  contemplation 
of  an  infinity  of  beauties,  which  are  to  be 
found  among  the  angelic  choirs ;  for  if  the 
least  of  the  Angels  be  so  charming,  and  if 
they  be  so  numerous,  my  God !  what 
beauty  is  to  be  seen  in  the  holy  Sion  !  To 
give  us  some  idea  of  this  truth,  St.  Anselm 
says,  that  if  God  put  an  Angel  in  the 
sun’s  orbit,  and  environed  him  with  as 
many  suns  as  there  are  stars,  and  permit¬ 
ted  the  blessed  spirit  to  emit  in  a  borrowed 
form  a  single  ray  of  his  glory,  it  would  at 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


19 


once  eclipse  all  the  splendour  of  the  suns, 
and  render  them  invisible.  All  is  wonder¬ 
ful  in  these  holy  spirits.  An  Angel,  to 
recreate  St.  Francis,  touched  a  lute  so 
melodiously,  that  the  saint  thought  he 
would  have  died  of  joy.  That  miraculous 
bird,  whose  notes  so  charmed  a  religious 
servant  of  God,  that  he  passed  many  years 
listening  to  them,  without  feeling  the  time 
longer  than  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  was 
doubtless  an  Angel.  Some  might  question 
the  truth  of  this  story ;  but  Father  Cor¬ 
neille  de  la  Pierre  testifies,  that  having 
visited  the  monastery  wherein  this  person 
lived,  he  found  the  fact  proved  beyond  the 
possibility  of  doubt.  Lt  was  reasonable 
that  these  holy  spirits  should  be  created  in 
heaven,  as  being  the  abode  of  all  happiness. 
The  precious  stones  formerly  shown  the 
prophet  Ezechiel  in  a  vision,  figure  the  dif¬ 
ferent  perfections  of  the  Angels.  The  holy 
Fathers  surpass  themselves  when  there  is 
question  of  them.  We  can  indeed  say,  that 
if  the  beauty  of  the  Creator  is  anywhere  to 
be  seen,  it  is  in  the  Angels,  their  excel¬ 
lence  being  without  imperfection  !  Alas  ! 
how  unlike  our  perfection,  in  which  there 
is  always  mingled  an  infinity  of  defects. 
The  greatness  of  these  blessed  spirits  is 


20 


DEVOTION  TO 


without  baseness — their  science  without 
ignorance — their  light  without  darkness — 
their  power  without  weakness — their  beauty 
without  defect — their  love  without  incon¬ 
stancy — their  peace  without  trouble — their 
action  continual,  yet  without  fatigue — 
their  happiness  without  alloy — their  felicity 
complete,  and  without  admixture  of  any 
evil. 

When  Manue,  as  is  related  in  the  Book 
of  Judges,  demanded  the  name  of  the  An¬ 
gel  who  appeared  to  him,  he  told  him  it 
was  “  Admirable/’  because  he  represented 
God  in  a  wonderful  manner :  and  Jacob 
having  had  a  vision  of  an  Angel  says,  that 
he  had  seen  the  Lord  face  to  face.  Will 
not  the  consideration  of  all  these  perfec¬ 
tions  of  the  Angels  excite  you  to  love  them  ? 
You  who  are  so  prone  to  love  whatever  is 
beautiful,  and  noble,  and  perfect?  This 
truth  merits  deep  consideration,  the  glory 
of  God,  the  author  of  all  these  excellencies 
and  perfections  being  concerned  in  it. 


j 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


21 


MOTIVE  SECOND. 

The  incomparable  goodness  of  the  Angels. 

“  Nothing, ”  says  the  holy  Bishop  of 
Geneva,  St.  Francis  de  Sales,  “  nothing 
more  affects  a  good  heart  than  to  see  itself 
loved ;  but  if  the  lover  be  of  superior  rank, 
it  greatly  enhances  the  motive  of  reciprocal 
love.”  If  this  be  true,  we  must  either  love 
the  Angels,  or  renounce  love  altogether. 
These  great  princes,  of  whom  we  have  said 
such  wonderful  things  in  the  preceding 
chapter,  not  only  love  us,  but  also  in  such 
a  manner  that  it  would  seem  they  are  de¬ 
termined  to  bear  away  the  prize  of  love. 

They  manifest  towards  us  every  species 
of  affection  ;  they  love  us  with  the  love  of 
a  father — always  seeking  our  interest,  al¬ 
ways  promoting  our  welfare,  and  never 
omitting  any  occasion  of  procuring  us  that 
celestial  inheritance  which  has  been  pur¬ 
chased  for  us  by  the  merits  of  the  adorable 
Jesus.  They  love  us  with  a  maternal  love 
— for  it  is  written,  that  “  they  bear  us  up 
in  their  hands they  take  care  of  our 
souls  and  bodies  ;  they  have  their  eyes  ever 
fixed  on  us,  and  caress  us  continually  with 
all  the  tenderness  that  love  can  inspire. 
They  love  us  with  the  love  of  a  brother, 


22 


DEVOTION  TO 


regarding  us  as  the  younger  members  of 
the  family;  and,  what  is  more  wonderful, 
and  more  worthy  of  heaven  than  of  earth, 
they  are  not  sorry  to  see  us  their  equals  in 
glory ;  nay,  our  Angel  Guardians  do  all 
they  can  to  render  us  more  glorious  in 
paradise  than  they  are  themselves.  They 
love  us  with  the  love  of  impassioned  lovers 
— incessantly  seeking  our  friendship,  con¬ 
tinually  thinking  of  us,  and  even  quitting 
the  blissful  regions  of  immortality  to  abide 
with  us  here  on  earth.  They  love  us  .as 
good  pastors — for  is  it  not  of  them  we  can 
say,  that  “  they  neither  slumber  nor  sleep 
who  keep  Israel.”  They  love  us  as  physi¬ 
cians,  healing  our  wounds,  curing  our  ma¬ 
ladies,  and  restoring  us  to  health;  they 
love  us  as  advocates,  negotiating  all  our 
affairs,  in  heaven  and  on  earth ;  as  faithful 
guides,  conducting  us  in  the  true  way  to 
perfection;  as  good  masters,  abundantly 
rewarding  the  little  services  we  render 
them ;  as  bountiful  kings,  defending  us 
from  our  enemies,  and  causing  us  to  live 
in  peace  and  security. 

0  my  God  !  are  we  not  then  overpowered 
with  motives  to  love  your  Angels !  But 
when  did  they  begin  to  love  us  ?  The  mo¬ 
ment  we  began  to  live — nor  have  they 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


23 


since,  nor  will  they  to  the  last  moment  of 
our  existence,  cease  to  love  us.  They  love 
us  in  all  times  and  places — in  Heaven,  on 
Earth,  in  Purgatory — eveu  in  our  moments 
of  ingratitude  they  are  immutable  in  our 
love !  It  is  theu  certain  that  these  blessed 
spirits  are  our  best  friends;  that  their  love 
is  the  most  faithful,  constant,  amiable,  pa¬ 
tient,  universal,  which  can  possibly  be. 
All  in  it  is  great — all  in  it  is  charming — 
all  in  it  is  admirable — all  in  it  is  disinte¬ 
rested — for  what  do  they  receive  for  this 
wonderful  kindness  ?  Injuries,  ingratitude, 
forgetfulness.  Infidels  know  them  not — 
heretics  refuse  to  honour  them — nor  are 
Catholics  even  mindful  of  them.  Ah!  who 
can  comprehend  this  monstrous  return  for 
so  much  love  !  Such  an  impression  does  this 
consideration  make  upefn  me,  that  I  would 
wish  to  go  through  the  world  bewailing  the 
obduracy  of  the  human  heart.  Here  it  is 
indeed,  that  the  obduracy  of  the  human  heart 
is  in  its  last  excess.  0  men  !  0  men  !  de¬ 
liver  yourselves  now  at  least  to  these  at¬ 
tractions — return  from  your  unhappy  state 
* — love  the  Angels — agaiu  I  say,  love  the 
Angels,  and  love  the  God  of  the  Angels, 
for  it  is  in  him  alone  all  that  is  good  and 
amiable  deserves  to  be  loved. 


24 


y 

DEVOTION  TO 


MOTIVE  THIRD. 

All  the  Angels  are  employed  in  the  service  of  Man. 

I  confess  that  continuing  to  write  of  the 
Angels,  my  heart  is  insensibly  touched 
with  their  love ;  and  no  wonder  if  it  all 
were  liquefied  before  these  blessed  spirits, 
who  are,  as  the  Psalmist  says,  “  a  devour¬ 
ing  fire.”  0  amiable  Spirits  !  here  permit 
my  poor  soul  to  sigh  for  love.  Either 
suffer  me  to  die,  or  to  live  as  you  wish. 
May  I  love  you  with  a  love  according  to 
the  heart  of  Jesus,  the  King  of  love,  and 
of  Mary,  the  Queen  of  holy  love.  We 
should  cease  to  live,  or  breathe  only  the 
purity  of  this  love.  To  resume — Are  not 
the  foregoing  motives  sufficiently  powerful 
to  engage  us  to  love  the  Angels  ?  But  we 
can  furnish  many  others.  It  is  not  one, 
nor  a  certain  number,  of  these  celestial 
spirits  that  are  employed  in  our  service. 
St.  Paul  says,  that  they  are  all  deputed 
for  our  salvation.  All  the  Angels,  says 
St.  Augustine,  are  employed  in  our  de¬ 
fence,  since  they  and  we  make  but  one 
same  city  of  God.  It  is  not  alone  the 
Angels  of  the  last  choir,  says  St.  Chrysos¬ 
tom,  that  watch  for  the  safety  of  men ;  the 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


25 


higher  choirs  are  also  deputed  to  defend 
them.  Some  question  if  the  higher  Angels 
descend  upon  earth  to  assist  man ;  but 
how  will  these  explain  the  testimonies 
which  the  holy  Scripture  gives  us  to  this 
effect?  St.  Raphael,  who  guided  Tobias 
when  going  to  Rages,  said  of  himself,  that 
he  was  one  of  the  seven  spirits  who  stand 
before  the  throne.  They  were  the  Cheru¬ 
bim  who  appeared  to  Ezechiel.  It  was  to 
a  Cherub  that  God  committed  the  care 
of  the  terrestrial  Paradise — and  it  was  a 
Seraph  who  purified  the  lips  of  Isaiah. 
Ecclesiastical  History,  too,  teaches  the 
same  truth :  It  was  one  of  the  highest 
Angels  who  imprinted  the  sacred  stigmas 
of  our  Lord’s  passion  on  the  body  of  St. 
Francis,  and  another  who  wounded,  with  a 
golden  dart,  the  heart  of  St.  Teresa.  But 
this  is  not  the  essential  point  :  it  is  quite 
enough  for  us  to  know,  that  in  some  man¬ 
ner  or  another,  all  the  Angels  are  in  our 
service.  And  what  a  host  of  defenders  for 
us  !  Holy  Job  says,  that  their  number  is 
without  number.  Some  writers  affirm, 
that  it  surpasses  that  of  the  stars  of  Hea¬ 
ven,  of  the  birds  of  the  air,  of  the  drops 
of  water  in  the  ocean,  and  of  all  visible 
creatures.  St.  Gregory  of  Nyssa  says, 


2(5 


DEVOTION  TO 


that  there  is  an  infinity  of  millions  of 
Angels :  and  St.  Dionysius  the  Areopa- 
gite,  that  God  alone  knows  the  number  of 
these  holy  Spirits. 

What  movements  of  love — what  senti¬ 
ments  of  consolation  do  not  these  truths, 
if  well  penetrated,  impart  to  our  poor 
hearts !  If  it  were  said  to  you  who  read 
these  lines,  that  the  King  had  deputed 
to  your  service  one  of  his  principal  cour¬ 
tiers,  with  strict  orders  to  render  to  you 
all  the  manner  of  favours  and  services, 
what  would  be  your  gratitude,  your  amaze¬ 
ment,  your  joy  !  But  history  furnishes  no 
such  instance  of  kindness ;  it  is  only  the 
King  of  kings  who  operates  such  a  prodigy 
of  love.  0  my  soul  !  my  soul !  have  you 
ever  seriously  considered,  that  not  only  one 
"but  all  the  princes  of  the  God  of  Paradise 
watch  over  you  with  ineffable  care  and 
tenderness — that  u  all  minister  to  those 
who  are  to  receive  the  inheritance  of  salva¬ 
tion.”  ’0  the  love  of  that  God  who  has 
sent  them  !  0  the  love  of  those  Spirits 
whom  he  has  sent  !  What  consolation  for 
us !  Why,  after  this,  should  we  be  sad 
or  troubled  ?  One  alone  of  these  blessed 
princes  is  more  than  sufficient  to  defend 
us,  and  behold  millions  of  millions — nay, 


c  ;-r  C  THE  HOLY  ANGELS*  27 

an  infinity  of  millions  of  them  watching  for 
our  safety  !  But  remember,  if  such  power¬ 
ful  protection  places  you  in  security,  that 
the  friendship  of  these  illustrious  princes 
should  serve  you  for  occupation.  It»  is 
better  to  form  acquaintance  with  these 
pure  spirits  than  to  amuse  one’s  self  with 
creatures.  Their  friendship  is  so  much  the 
more  holy  and  advantageous,  as  there  is 
nothing  in  them  but  God  alone. 


MOTIVE  FOURTH. 

All  Men  are  assisted  ly  the  Angels. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  seek  any  other 
motive  to  love  God  than  love  itself — as  our 
Lord  revealed  to  Mother  Magdalen  of  St. 
Joseph,  a  Carmelite  religious.  But  why 
does  God  love  men  so  much  ?  Let  it  be 
published  among  the  nations,  says  St. 
Bernard,  and  let  them  confess  that  the 
Lord  has  determined  to  treat  them  mag¬ 
nificently.  0  my  God  !  what  is  man,  that 
you  condescend  to  give  him  your  only 
Son,  to  send  him  your  Holy  Spirit,  and  de¬ 
pute  your  Angels  to  guard  and  defend 
him  !  '  Behold  then  an  Angel,  who  is  as  a 


28 


DEVOTION  TO 


great  king,  endowed  with  all  imaginable 
glory  and  perfection,  in  the  service  of  man 
— a  being  compounded  of  misery  and  im¬ 
perfection — a  worm  of  the  earth — dust  and 
ashes  !  But  that  man,  when  in  the  state 
of  sin,  should  still  be  protected  by  the 
Angels,  is  far  more  wonderful.  If  we  say 
we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves :  the 
greatest  saints  have  fallen,  through  weak¬ 
ness  or  inadvertence,  into  venial  faults — 
and  would  to  God  that  there  were  no 
greater  committed — Hell  itself  being  less 
terrible  than  a  single  offence  against  the 
Divine  Majesty ;  but,  alas  !  men  in  gene¬ 
ral  have  little  horror  of  mortal  sin,  and 
easily  fall  into  it.  The  Angels,  though 
struck  with  amazement  at  these  diabolical 
excesses,  are  nevertheless  not  deterred  from 
assisting  these  unhappy  beings. 

0  soul !  who  readest  these  truths,  is  it 
not  wonderful  that  the  blessed  Spirits 
should  lend  their  aid  to  those  who  offend 
God,  considering  the  knowledge  they  pos¬ 
sess  of  his  unspeakable  greatness  ?  Is  it 
not  amazing  that  they  are  content  to  re¬ 
main  with  those  who  every  day  trample  on 
the  blood  of  their  God,  “  and  make  void 
the  sufferings  by  which  they  have  been 
redeemed  V’  Let  us  go  further  : — Here- 


TIIE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


29 


tics  and  Infidels  have  Angels  who  guard 
them,  though  their  sin  be  so  incompre¬ 
hensible,  that  we  can  never  in  this  world 
attain  anything  like  a  notion  of  it.  The 
Turks,  the  professed  enemies  of  the  Chris¬ 
tian  name,  have  their  Angels — nay,  Anti¬ 
christ  himself  will  have  an  Angel  Guardian, 
says  St.  Thomas,  who  will  hinder  him 
from  committing  several  evils.  The  Angels 
serve  all  these  people  as  their  masters, 
though  they  know  them  to  be  slaves  of  the 
devil  and  victims  of  hell.  Where  is  the 
gardener  who  would  water  a  tree,  if  he 
knew  it  would  never  produce  fruit !  Where 
is  the  friend  who  would  continue  to  de¬ 
monstrate  his  friendship,  after  repeated 
insults  and  affronts  ?  Yet  all  the  injuries, 
revolts,  contempt  and  ingratitude  of  men 
diminish  not  in  the  least  degree  the 
charity  of  these  blessed  Spirits.  They  go 
to  seek  them  in  the  forests  of  Canada,  in 
the  remotest  deserts,  in  the  most  gloomy 
caverns,  at  the  extremities  of  the  earth. 
You  would  say  that  they  are  beside  them¬ 
selves  with  love  for  men,  who  have  nothing 
of  man  but  the  shape  and  appearance, 
their  lives  being  wholly  earthly  and  sen¬ 
sual.  These  celestial  beauties  give  their 
affections  to  deformity  itself,  and  yet  meet 


30 


DEVOTION  TO 


with  no  other  return  than  ingratitude  and 
contempt  How  shocking — how  deplora¬ 
ble  ! 


MOTIVE  FIFTH. 

The  Angels  render  Men  innumerable  services. 

A  pious  woman  having  one  night  re¬ 
ceived  information  that  a  poor  person  in 
the  suburbs  was  lying  in  extreme  neces¬ 
sity,  and  none  of  her  domestics  being  with¬ 
in,  sent  her  son  with  something  for  her  re¬ 
lief.  The  boy  being  very  young,  was 
greatly  afraid,  going,  by  himself  to  such  a 
lonely  place,  until  a  page  appeared,  bearing 
a  flambeau,  and  conducted  him  safely  to 
his  destination.  His  mother  doubted  not 
that  it  might  be  his  good  Angel  who  had 
rendered  him  the  charitable  office.  These 
blessed  Spirits  have  often  appeared  visibly 
to  man.  The  learned  interpreter  of  the 
Holy  Scripture,  Cornelius  a  Lapide,  sup¬ 
poses,  that  after  the  resurrection,  they  will 
sometimes  assume  bodies  of  exquisite 
beauty  to  recreate  us.  It  is  amazing  to 
see  them  take  every  form  to  render  services 
to  us.  They  have  appeared  in  various 
shapes,  as  pilgrims,  &c.,  to  serve  and  benefit 


TIIE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


31 


man,  who  docs  almost  nothing  to  testify  his 
gratitude. 

If  it  were  only  at  certain  times  they 
rendered  us  assistance,  it  would  not  be  so 
wonderful ;  but  to  be  conferring  favours 
on  us  every  moment  we  exist,  is  incon¬ 
ceivable — and  it  is  this  our  good  Angel 
does  for  us.  If  a  prince  of  the  royal 
blood  came  and  spent  some  time  in  waiting 
on  an  humble  peasant,  in  a  poor  cabin,  every 
one  would  be  amazed;  but  if  this  peasant 
was  his  enemy,  one  from  whom  he  could  ex¬ 
pect  nothing  like  gratitude — if,  moreover, 
he  not  only  passed  some  months  with  him, 
but  even  resolved  on  remaining  in  his 
service  as  long  as  he  lived,  notwithstanding 
all  the  vicious  propensities  and  vile  habits 
which  he  discovered  in  him,  the  wonder 
would  be  infinitely  greater.  Yet  it  is  in 
this  manner,  0  my  soul !  thy  good  Angel 
guards  thee.  It  is  thus,  0  ye  whom  I  ad¬ 
dress  !  that  the  holy  Spirit  appointed  to  be 
your  guardian  executes  his  commission. 
This  amiable  prince  never  quits  us  in  this 
valley  of  tears.  The  Angels,  says  St. 
Augustine,  enter  and  go  forth  with  us — • 
they  have  their  eyes  ever  fixed  on  us,  and  on 
what  we  do.  If  we  remain  at  home,  they 
stay  with  us;  if  we  walk  out,  they  accom- 


t 


DEVOTION  TO 


oo 

oZ 


pany  us;  let  us  go  where  we  will,  on  land 
or  at  sea,  they  are  always  with  us;  they 
are  no  less  present  with  the  merchant  in 
his  counting-house,  or  the  matron  in  the 
cares  of  her  household,  than  with  the  re¬ 
cluse  in  his  desert,  or  the  religious  in  his 
cell.  0  excessive  bounty  ! — even  while  we 
sleep,  they  watch  over  us — they  are  always 
at  our  side — though  we  are  sinners,  and 
consequently  their  enemies — though  our 
interior  deformity  is  so  great,  that  if  we 
saw  it  we  could  not  support  the  sight — 
though  we  spend  our  lives  in  sin,  or  in 
such  frivolous  occupations  as  certainly  ex¬ 
cite  the  pity  of  these  blessed  spirits — though 
we  corrupt  our  best  actions  by  numberless 
defects,  they  are  never  weary  of  our  com¬ 
pany.  Even  after  death,  they  visit  us  in 
Purgatory,  and  render  us  in  its  flames  very 
great  consolations.  Is  not  this  to  be  our 
slaves  ?  Where  would  we  be  able  to  find 
persons  who  would  sacrifice  their  liberty 
so  perfectly  in  the  service  of  kings  ?  0 

bounty  of  our  God  !  the  Princes  of  Para¬ 
dise  our  slaves  and  servants!  Well,  in¬ 
deed,  did  the  holy  Vincent  of  CarafFe  say, 
that  the  life  of  a  Christian  was  a  life  of 
astonishment.  But  the  Angels  not  only 
protect  man,  they  also  give  their  cares  to 


THE  1I0LY  ANGELS. 


33 


everything  that  is  destined  for  his  service. 
According  to  St.  Augustine,  these  blessed 
Spirits  preside  over  every  animate  and  in¬ 
animate  thing  in  this  visible  world.  The  stars 
and  the  firmament  have  their  Angels — the 
fire,  the  air,  the  water,  have  their  Angels — 
kingdoms  have  their  Angels,  as  is  seen  in 
the  Scriptures — provinces  have  theirAngels, 
for  the  Angels  who  appeared  to  Jacob, 
says  Genesis,  were  the  guardians  of  the 
provinces  through  which  he  passed — towns 
and  cities  have  their  Angels — altars, 
churches,  nay,  even  particular  families, 
have  their  Angels. 

Thus  the  world  is  full  of  Angels,  and  it 
seems  that  the  sweetness  of  Divine  Pro¬ 
vidence  renders  it  necessary;  for  if,  as 
some  say,  there  be  in  the  air  so  great  a 
number  of  evil  spirits,  that  if  they  were 
permitted  to  assume  bodies,  they  would  ob¬ 
scure  the  light  of  the  sun,  how  could  men 
be  safe  from  their  malicious  arts,  unless 
protected  by  the  Angels  ?  It  is  not  for 
nothing  that  these  blessed  Spirits  are  sent 
on  earth.  As  each  star  has  its  peculiar 
influence,  so  each  of  the  Angels  produces 
some  particular  good.  We  must  be  oP- 
durate  indeed,  if  we  are  not  touched  by 
their  services.  It  is  a  great  pity,  that  we 


34 


DEVOTION  TO 


seldom  think  but  of  sensible  objects.  In 
vain  are  we  spoken  to  of  spiritual  things; 
we  either  understand  them  not,  or  forget 
them  with  facility.  Whatever  Eliseus 
might  say  to  his  servant  of  the  protection 
of  these  blessed  Spirits,  the  poor  man 
could  not  believe  it,  until  God  miraculously 
opened  his  eyes,  and  manifested  them  to 
him  under  visible  forms.  If  the  samo 
favour  is  not  given  to  us,  still  have  we  not 
faith  ?  and  can  we  not  behold  with  our 
interior  eyes  these  amiable  spirits,  and  ac¬ 
knowledge  them  as  our  greatest  benefac¬ 
tors,  and  the  faithful  ministers  of  God 
alone,  whom  we  adore,  who  is  admirable 

in  all  his  works,  and  deserves  for  them 

* 

eternal,  everlasting  praise  ? 


MOTIVE  SIXTH. 

The  Angels  help  t(8  in  temporal  things. 

After  having  spoken  in  a  general  way 
of  the  benefits  accruing  to  us  from  the 
Angels,  let  us  descend  to  particulars,  that 
the  hearts  of  men  may  be  inexcusable,  and 
be  obliged  to  love  these  amiable  spirits. 
If  favours  be  to  love,  what  wood  is  to  fire, 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


35 


with  what  ardour  should  we  not  burn  for 
the  holy  Angels,  overwhelmed  as  we  are 
with  their  kindnesses  and  benefactions,  even 
in  temporal  things. 

They  provide  for  our  education — They 
were  these  glorious  spirits  who  trained  up 
the  little  Baptist  in  the  desert,  after  the 
death  of  his  holy  mother,  which  took  place 
forty  days  after  she  had  fled  with  him  from 
the  persecution  of  Herod.  They  provide 
for  our  bodily  nourishment — as  in  the  case 
of  the  holy  martyrs  Firminian  and  Bus- 
ticus,  and  the  prophets  Elias  and  Daniel. 
They  procure  for  us  honours :  a  great 
number  of  Angels  attended  at  the  death  of 
St.  Agatha,  and  composed  her  epitaph. 
They  recreate  our  senses  : — for  six  months 
preceding  the  death  of  St.  Nicholas  of  To- 
lentine,  they  played  for  him  on  musical  in¬ 
struments.  And  during  the  three  days 
that  intervened  between  the  death  of  the 
Holy  Virgin  and  her  Assumption  into 
Heaven,  they  made  most  melodious  con¬ 
certs  near  her  sacred  remains,  for  the  con¬ 
solation  of  those  who  approached  them. 
They  accompany  us  in  our  journeys — as  is 
evident  from  the  case  of  Tobias.  They  visit 
and  console  us — as  the  lives  of  the  Fathers 
of  the  desert,  and  those  of  St.  Lidwine  and 


36 


DEVOTION  TO 


St.  Francis  testify,  as  well  as  the  acts  of 
the  martyrs.  And  think  not,  says  Abbe 
Kupert,  that  they  never  visited  these  ser¬ 
vants  of  God,  but  when  they  visibly  ap¬ 
peared;  they  have  often  been  invisibly 
present,  supporting  them  in  their  trials, 
consoling  them  in  their  sorrows,  and  as 
suaging  their  torments. 

If  they  procure  us  benefits,  they  also  de¬ 
liver  us  from  evils.  They  freed  St.  Peter 
from  his  chains,  delivered  Daniel  from  the 
lions,  and  Isaac  from  the  sacrificing  knife. 
In  the  Book  of  Machabees,  we  have  pro¬ 
digious  examples  of  the  zeal  with  which 
they  espouse  the  cause- of  man,  often  openly 
combating  for  him  against  his  enemies. 
In  fine,  there  is  no  want,  natural,  moral, 
or  physical,  in  which  the  holy  Angels  do 
oot  assist  us.  If  Divine  Providence  has 
given  us  saints  to  be  our  deliverers  from 
certain  evils,  as  St.  Sebastian  and  St. 
Koch,  from  pestilence — St.  Laurence,  from 
toothache — St.  Lucy,  from  pains  in  the 
eyes  or  defective  vision — it  has  given  us 
the  Angels  as  assured  helpers  in  all  our 
misfortunes.  Let  us  here  consider  and  ad¬ 
mire  the  protection  afforded  by  the  Angels 
to  the  Hebrew  people.  It  was  an  Angel 
who, conducted  them  in  the  wilderness  for 


THE  IIOLY  ANGELS. 


37 


the  space  of  forty  years,  by  means  of  a 
cloud  during  the  day,  and  a  pillar  of  fire 
by  night — and  by  the  movement  given  to 
it  by  him,  they  were  sheltered  from  the 
scorching  rays  of  the  sun,  and  preserved 
from  the  hands  of  Pharaoh  and  his  Egyp¬ 
tians.  I  leave  it  to  the  piety  of  those  who 
read  these  truths,  to  reflect  at  leisure  on 
this  admirable  conduct.  However  slightly 
they  are  considered,  it  is  impossible  not  to 
be  convinced  that  the  services  rendered  to 
man  by  the  Angels  are  incomparable — and 
that  the  name  of  the  Lord  should  be  mag¬ 
nified,  who  operates  these  wonders  by  the 
agency  of  the  ministers  of  his  celestial 
court. 


MOTIVE  SEVENTH. 

The  Angels  assist  us  in  spiritual  things. 

Properly  speaking,  man  has  but  one 
affair — that  of  eternity.  All  that  tends 
not  to  this  great  end  is  not  worth  a  single 
thought.  0  !  how  wretched  and  contemp¬ 
tible  are  all  things  which  the  world  culls 
great !  how  unworthy  the  occupation  of  a 
Christian  soul  are  its  honours  and  plea* 
sures  !  It  were  well  that  this  truth,  “  the 


38 


DEVOTION  TO 


world  and  its  concupiscence  passes  away,” 
never  departed  from  our  minds :  eternity 
would  then  occupy  us,  and  the  means  of 
acquiring  a  happy  one,  among  which  the 
patronage  of  the  Angels  is  not  the  least, 
would  be  more  fully  appreciated. 

It  is  indeed  true,  that  these  blessed 
Angels  do  all  that  they  can  to  procure  for 
us  a  glorious  immortality.  They  have 
been  known  to  press  apostolic  men,  as  St. 
Paul  and  St.  Francis  Xavier,  to  announce 
the  Gospel  to  those  u  who  sat  in  the  shades 
of  death.”  They  have  often  assisted  evan-- 
gelical  labourers.  How  many  children 
receive  baptism  by  their  means,  who  would 
otherwise  perish  in  original  sin  !  Behold 
a  wonderful  example  :  In  January,  1634, 
in  the  city  of  Vienna,  three  souls,  freed 
from  Purgatory,  appeared,  says  Father  Lo- 
ret,  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  to  one  of  our 
religious,  to  thank  him,  for  having  by  his 
prayers  and  mortifications,  procured  their 
release.  On  the  day  of  your  birth,  said 
they,  our  good  angels  revealed  to  us,  that 
you  would  one  day  be  our  liberator;  and 
know  that  you  are  greatly  indebted  to  your 
Angel  Guardian,  for  without  his  care  you 
would  have  been  suffocated,  through  the 
carelessness  of  the  attendant,  before  you 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


89 


received  baptism.  After  procuring  for  us 
the  life  of  grace,  the  Angels  endeavour  to 
conserve  us  therein ;  and  hence  they 
prompt  us  to  receive  often  the  adorable 
Eucharist,  which  is  the  life  of  lives.  They 
have  often  carried  this  vivifying  sacrament 
to  solitaries  and  recluses — St.  Stanislas 
Kotska,  S.  J.,  received  this  favour.  Nor 
do  they  forget  the  other  means  of  our  sal¬ 
vation.  Prayer  is  one  of  the  most  power¬ 
ful  ;  and  it  is  by  the  Angels  our  petitions 
are  carried  before  the  throne  of  God  :  there 
is  no  exercise  in  which  they  are  more  pre¬ 
sent  with  us  than  this.  Mortification  is 
the  sister  of  prayer — and  what  have  not 
the  Angels  done  to  engage  us  to  practise 
it?  They  have  often  visibly  given  theii 
clients  instructions  thereon,  suitable  to 
their  great  lights,  and  convinced  them  of 
the  absolute  necessity  of  this  virtue  in  all 
true  Christians. 

They  are  most  anxious  to  inspire  us  with 
a  love  for  that  virtue  which  assimilates  us 
to  them,  virginal  purity. — What  have  they 
not  done  in  its  defence  ?  They  have  some¬ 
times  combated  and  destroyed  those  who 
attacked  it — they  have  rendered  invisible 
those  who  possessed  it,  to  preserve  them 
from  danger — they,  in  fine,  have  sometimes 


40 


DEVOTION  TO 


procured  from  their  Creator  a  temporary 
suspension  of  nature’s  laws,  to  preserve  a 
virtue,  which,  raising  man  above  himself, 
causes  him  to  live  in  a  mortal  body  a  life 
wholly  divine. 

But  their  great  object  is  to  inspire  us 
with  love  for  Jesus  and  his  amiable  Mo¬ 
ther,  knowing  that  the  love  of  these  sacred 
persons  is  the  source  of  all  good  to  our 
souls.  St.  Dominic,  being  one  of  the  most 
fervent  lovers  of  Jesus  and  Mary  that  ever 
existed,  was  in  consequence  the  great  fa¬ 
vourite  of  the  Angels.  He  received  from 
them  all  sorts  of  assistance,  during  the  long 
nights  that  love  chained  him  to  the  altar 
steps,  whilst  pouring  out  his  soul  in  the 
presence  of  his  good  Master,  and  invoking 
the  patronage  of  his  glorious  Mistress. 
They  were  once  seen,  when  the  Saint  hap¬ 
pened  to  lodge  in  the  house  of  the  Bishop, 
lighting  him  with  flambeaux  from  his 
chamber  to  and  from  the  church,  the  doors 
of  which  they  opened  for  him. 

But  this  is  not  all.  As  for  the  practice 
of  virtue,  it  is  necessary  that  the  will  should 
be  moved  and  the  understanding  enlight¬ 
ened,  they  often  effect  both.  Thus  they 
reveal  the  sublimest  mysteries.  It  was  an 
Angel  who  gave  the  law  to  Moses — an  An- 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS 


41 


gel  who  announced  to  the  glorious  Virgin 
the  incarnation  of  the  11  Word’7 — to  the 
Marys  his  resurrection,  and  to  the  apostles 
his  last  coming.  They’ endeavour  to  pre¬ 
serve  us  from  sin,  or  to  free  us  from  it,  af¬ 
ter  having  fallen  into  it. — Those  lights 
which  sometimes  beam  suddenly  on  the 
soul  a  clear  knowledge  of  holy  truths — 
those  unforeseen  movements  which  surprise 
us  when  we  least  expect  them,  and  which 
move  us  so  efficaciously  to  good,  come  to 
us  by  the  agency  of  these  blessed  spirits. 
In  those  happy  moments,  wherein  we  find 
ourselves  strangely  pressed  to  give  our¬ 
selves  to  God,  without  knowing  why,  let 
us  recognise  the  exertions  of  the  Angels. 
They  obtain  for  us  a  victory  over  our  pas¬ 
sions,  the  conquest  of  our  bad  inclinations, 
a  knowledge  of  our  faults  and  imperfec¬ 
tions,  and  of  our  most  hidden  oppositions 
to  grace — they  invite  us  to  penance,  solicit 
us  to  make  a  good  confession,  and  fully 
satisfy  the  divine  justice.  Iu  fine,  they 
support  us  in  the  way  of  virtue,  console  us 
in  sufferings,  quiet  our  fears,  remove  our 
scruples,  and  impart  to  us  that  holy  joy 
and  “  divine  peace,  which  surpasses  all  un¬ 
derstanding. 77  When  Raphael  met  Tobias, 
he  wished  him  continual  joy,  and  in  leav. 


42 


DEVOTION  TO 


ing  him,  everlasting  peace.-  Let  us  disen¬ 
gage  ourselves  from  all  created  things,  and 
the  wishes  of  these  holy  Spirits  for  our 
happiness  will  be  accomplished.  To  enjoy 
true  and  continual  peace,  it  is  necessary  to 
live  to  God  alone. 


MOTIVE  EIGHTH. 

The  Protection  afforded  to  us  by  the  Angels  against 
the  enemies  of  our  Salvation. 

The  life  of  man  is  a  warfare ;  he  has  to 
fight  against  temptations  within  and  temp¬ 
tations  without — temptations  from  the 
world,  and  temptations  from  himself.  It  is 
a  strange  thing,  that  we  ourselves  are  our 
most  dangerous  enemies,  and  that  it  would 
give  us  quite  enough  to  do  to  wage  war 
against  ourselves.  Yet  this  is  not  all ;  we 
have  other  combats  to  sustain.  We  must 
combat  against  the  devils,  powerful  in 
might,  cruel  in  rage,  countless  in  number, 
indefatigable  in  pursuit. — Being  spiritual 
beings,  they  strike  invisibly — enter  all 
places — see  all  things — leave  no  art,  no 
wile,  untried,  to  effect  our  ruin,  and  tri¬ 
umph  in  our  defeat.  0  !  you  who  read 
these  lines  !  do  you  not  tremble  at  the  idea 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


43 


of  such  combats?  On  your  victory  de¬ 
pends  your  e.ternal  fate.  Consider  what  it 
is  to  be  damned  for  ever,  and  the  danger  in 
which  you  are  of  being  so,  by  the  malice 
of  the  devils — and  then  you  will  be  con¬ 
vinced  of  the  necessity  of  being  devout  to 
their  powerful  adversaries,  the  holy  An- 
gels. 

The  devils  are  cruel  in  their  rage ;  the 
destruction  of  our  corporeal  existence  would 
not  suffice  to  glut  their  malice :  they  un¬ 
ceasingly  seek  to  take  away  the  life  of  our 
souls,  and  “  go  about”  continually  “  seek¬ 
ing  whom  they  may  devour.”  This  infu¬ 
riate  malice  is  accompanied  by  such  power, 
that,  as  we  learn  from  the  Book  of  Job,  no 
force  on  earth  can  be  compared  to  it :  mil¬ 
lions  of  armed  men  could  do  nothing  against 
the  efforts  of  a  single  evil  spirit.  The 
Scripture  calls  them  the  powers  and  princes 
of  this  world  and  of  darkness — the  greater 
part  of  mankind  being  subject  to  their  de¬ 
testable  tyranny. 

These  abominable  spirits  are  exceedingly 
clever  in  deceiving;  they  often  form  puns 
and  lay  snares  which  entrap  the  most  en¬ 
lightened.  Having  deceived  the  first  wo¬ 
man  by  his  wiles,  Satan  still  adopts  the 
same  means  to  undo  her  unthinking  pos- 


44 


DEVOTION  TO 


terity — time  has  only  rendered  him  more 
subtle  and  insinuating.  “  How  do  you 
know  so  well,  what  is  to  happen  my  Re¬ 
ligious?”  said  St.  Pacliomius  one  day; 
“  surely,  God  alone  can  foresee  what  is 
to  come.”  u  True,”  replied  the  tempter, 
“  I  know  it  not — but  my  great  experience 
enables  me  to  form  conjectures  which 
amount  to  certainty.”  This  wicked  enemy 
lays  snares  in  all  places  for  our  destruction. 
In  cities  and  deserts,  in  solitude  and  in 
company,  we  equally  feel  his  assaults.  .He 
studies  our  humour  and  inclination,  and 
erects  his  batteries  against  that  part  of  our 
soul  which  he  finds  weakest.  If  he  fears 
we  shall  overcome  one  temptation,  he  at¬ 
tacks  us  by  several,  and  at  a  time  in  which 
he  sees  us  less  able  to  resist — as  when  a 
person  has  been  some  time  without  ap¬ 
proaching  the  sacraments,  or  making  medi¬ 
tation,  or  the  like.  Sometimes  he  retires 
for  a  time,  that  he  may  surprise  us,  and, 
when  we  least  expect  it,  find  ourselves  un¬ 
done. 

These  wicked  spirits  study  the  designs 
of  God  on  a  soul,  in  order  to  hinder  it 
from  corresponding  with  them.  They  of¬ 
ten  divert  persons  from  following  their  vo¬ 
cation — induce  others  to  embrace  states  to 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


45 


which  they  are  not  called — they  tempt  pa¬ 
rents  to  oppose  the  vocation  of  their  child¬ 
ren — in  line,  through  the  artifices  of  these 
subtle  enemies,  the  greater  number  of  per¬ 
sons  do  anything  but  what  they  should  do. 

If  they  cannot  turn  us  from  the  ways  of 
grace,  they  try  to  mingle  in  them  ;  prompt¬ 
ing  us  to  pray,  when  God  will  have  us  la¬ 
bour  for  him;  to  be  angry  and  impatient 
when  hindered  from  a  good  work ;  to  be  dis¬ 
quieted  at  our  faults ;  to  confess  and  com¬ 
municate  through  imperfect  motives ;  to 
irritate  ourselves  with  an  unquiet  zeal  at  the 
faults  of  others,  and  to  forget  our  own.  As 
they  are  without  peace  or  order  among  them¬ 
selves,  they  labour  all  they  can  to  render 
us  so  too — often  exciting  scruples,  doubts, 
anxieties — inspiring  us  with  fears  as  to  the 
validity  of  our  past  confessions — prompt¬ 
ing  us  to  make  them  all  anew,  and  still  to 
be  dissatisfied.  They  give  false  ideas  of 
piety — and  if  they  see  true  devotion  gain 
ground  in  any  place,  by  means  of  prayer 
and  frequent  communion,  they  will  cause 
some  of  those  who  use  these  means  to  fall 
into  great  faults,  to  furnish  others  with  a 
pretext  for  declaiming  against  them. 

They  often  amuse  those  who  live  in  vice 
or  error  with  a  false  peace,  inspiring  them 


46 


DEVOTION  TO 


to  perform  acts  of  mortification,  to  give 
alms,  to  pray,  and  the  like — and  thus  lull 
them  into  a  dangerous  security,  so  that 
they  never  perceive  the  hazard  they  run. 

They  use  great  efforts  to  make  us  anti¬ 
cipate  or  be  wanting  to  grace — thus  causing 
us  to  counteract  the  designs  of  God.  If  it 
be  necessary  to  do  that  good  which  God  re¬ 
quires,  it  is  equally  so  to  do  it  in  the  manner 
and  at  the  time  he  wishes.  St.  Philip  Neri 
was  assuredly  called  to  the  ecclesiastical 
state;  but  feeling  that  he  should  not.  em¬ 
brace  it  until  he  was  rather  advanced  in 
years,  he  could  not  be  prevailed  on  by  his 
friends  to  anticipate  the  time  of  God. 

The  Lord  wishes  we  should  go  to  confes¬ 
sion — but  the  devils  inspire  us  to  approach 
the  sacrament  through  self-love,  rather  to 
be  delivered  from  the  humiliation  of  sin, 
because  it  is  annoying  to  our  vanity,  than 
from  any  love  of  God.  He  wishes  that  we 
approach  the  holy  table  :  the  devils  prevent 
some,  by  various  false  pretexts,  who  would 
derive  considerable  profit,  and  inspire  others 
to  go,  who  have  not  the  necessary  disposi¬ 
tions. 

0  my  God  !  to  how  many  delusions  are 
we  not  liable — to  how  many  miseries  are 
we  not  subjected  by  the  wij^s  of  these  min- 


THE  IIOLY  ANGELS. 


47 


isfers  of  hell!  St.  John  of  the  Cross,  an 
eminent  master  of  the  spiritual  life,  says, 
that  even  those  who  tend  to  perfection  are 
subject  to  many  defects — as  a  secret  satis¬ 
faction  in  their  good  works,  and  a  wish  to 
appear  skilled  in  holy  things.  Sometimes 
they  manifest  their  devotion  by  external 
signs,  as  loud  praying,  sighing,  and  the 
like ;  at  other  times  they  speak  of  their  vir¬ 
tues  ;  though  in  the  confessional,  they  can 
scarcely  command  humility  enough  to  de¬ 
clare  their  sins — at  one  time  they  make  no 
account  of  their  faults,  and  at  another  they 
are  afflicted  at  them  even  to  excess.  They 
are  never  content  with  the  means  they  are 
furnished  with  to  be  perfect,  but  are  con¬ 
tinually  seeking  for  new  ones.  When  de¬ 
prived  of  sensible  devotion,  they  are  irri¬ 
tated  against  themselves  and  others;  they 
wish  to  be  saints  in  a  day,  and  without  any 
trouble.  They  often  contest  with  their 
confessor,  to  induce  him  to  be  of  their  opin¬ 
ion.  When  withdrawn  from  any  exercise 
of  piety  to  which  they  are  addicted,  they 
fear  all  is  lost,  and  suppose  that  he  does 
not  understand  the  way  by  which  they 
are  led.  • 

These  wicked  spirits,  as  we  have  already 
said,  often  represent  things  to  us  Quite  dif- 


DEVOTION  TO 


4S 

ferently  from  what  they  are.  They  per¬ 
suade  persons  in  the  world,  that  devotion 
is  only  for  those  who  live  in  monasteries, 
and  quite  incompatible  with  their  state. 
Often  they  set  before  them  the  real  or  ima¬ 
ginary  faults  of  such  as  profess  piety,  in 
order  to  prevent  them  from  embracing  it. 

When  they  foresee  special  graces  and 
great  helps  for  a  diocess,  or  a  city,  by 
means  of  some  servant  of  God,  they  omit 
nothing  in  order  to  lower  him  in  the  public 
estimation  :  and  they  not  only  persecute 
those  who  are  employed  actively  in  gain¬ 
ing  souls  to  God,  but  those  also  who  live 
in  solitude,  when  possessed  of  extraordinary 
virtue,  knowing  that,  by  their  prayers,  and 
constant  union  with  God,  they  will  help  to 
save  and  sanctify  many  other  persons. 

The  devils  excite  persons  to  exclaim 
against  the  abuse  of  frequent  communion; 
but,  as  F.  Lewis  of  Granada  says,  this  is 
often  a  great  abuse — because  many  persons, 
who  would  reap  considerable  advantage  by 
approaching,  are  thereby  hindered  from  it. 
Our  Lord  revealed  to  St.  Gertrude,  that 
those  who  hindered  frequent  communion 
deprived  him  of  his  great  delight.  I  ad¬ 
mit  that  it  is  necessary  to  know  well  the 
dispositions  of  those  who  often  communi- 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


49 


cate — bat  to  disprove  of  so  holy  a  practice, 
is  an  effect  of  the  hatred  of  the  devils  for 
this  sacred  mystery. 

Before  we  conclude,  let  us  remark  an* 
other  of  their  most  common  and  most  dan-  . 
gerous  temptations,  which  renders  most  of 
our  actions  either  useless  or  imperfect.  It 
is  to  occupy  ourselves  with  anything  save 
that  which  we  do.  While  at  prayer,  they 
afterwards  have  to  do — and  when  engaged 
in  this  exercise,  they  occupy  us  with  some¬ 
thing  else;  thus  we  perform  neither  as  we 
ought.  Each  moment  has  its  particular 
benediction ;  let  us  do  well  what  we  are 
actually  engaged  in,  and  God  will  provide 
for  the  future. 

Are  you  not  now  convinced  of  vour  want 
of  superior  force  against  such  enemies,  in 
order  to  be  victorious  ?  Having  seen  so 
many  wiles  laid  for  your  destruction,  are 
you  not  resolved  to  make  use  of  that  suc¬ 
cour  which  our  good  God  has  provided  for 
you  in  his  holy  Angels?  Every  time  that 
you  feel  pressed  by  temptation,  go  to  your 
Angel  and  say  to  him,  as  St.  Bernard  ex¬ 
horts  you,  “Lord!  save  me,  or  I  perish  I 
God  has  given  my  soul  in  charge  to  you — 
bear  it  up  in  your  hands — make  it  trample 
on  the  lion  and  the  dragon, ”  and,  as  kings 

4 


50 


DEVOTION  TO 


put  thieves  and  outlaws  to  death,  in  order 
to  preserve  the  lives  and  properties  of  their 
subjects — the  blessed  spirits  will  destroy 
the  schemes  of  their  apostate  brethren  for 
our  eternal  ruin ;  and  with  them  we  shall 
sing  a  canticle  of  joy  and  a  psalm  of  jubi¬ 
lation,  because  we  shall  have  obtained  the 
victory. 


MOTIVE  NINTH. 

The  great  helps  the  Holy  Angels  afford  us  at  the 
Hour  of  Heath. 

If  to  a  pagan  philosopher  death  appeared 
of  all  terrible  things  the  most  terrible,  in 
what  light  should  it  be  viewed  by  a  Chris¬ 
tian,  to  whom  God  has  revealed  its  conse¬ 
quences  ?  When  a  person  thinks  seriously, 
that  on  the  moment  of  death  depends  a 
happy  or  miserable  eternity,  his  heart  must 
be  obdurate  indeed,  if  he  be  not  struck 
with  fear;  for  “if  the  just  be  scarcely 
saved,  where  will  the  sinner  appear  ?”  0 

Lord  !  “  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy 
servant,  for  no  one  living  can  be  justified 
in  thy  sight !”  The  holy  abbot  Agatho,  be¬ 
ing  seized  with  trembling  at  his  last  hour, 
and  his  religious  having  asked  him  the 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


51 


cause — he  replied,  that  though  by  the  great 
mercy  of  God,  his  conscience  did  not  re¬ 
proach  him  with  anything,  yet  that  tlie 
divine  judgments  being  very  different  from 
those  of  men,  he  was  in  great  alarm.  No 
wonder  he  should  have  felt  so — all  our  good 
works  being  imperfect  in  the  sight  of  the 
Divine  Majesty.  If  the  Angels  succour  us 
in  this  dread  moment,  do  they  not  prove 
themselves  our  true  friends  ?  It  is  in  the 
time  of  affliction  a  person  knows  a  sincere 
friend ;  and  behold  in  the  hour  of  death, 
when  all  abandon  us  to  our  fate,  when  our 
body  is  consigned  to  the  solitary  tomb, 
and  our  soul  “  goes  to  the  house  of  its  eter¬ 
nity/'  the  Angels,  faithful  to  their  charge, 
never  depart  from  us. — Our  Lord  once  re¬ 
vealed,  that  souls  devoted  to  the  Angels 
duriug  life  shall  receive  extraordinary  helps 
from  them  at  the  hour  of  death.  And  it 
is  most  just  that  the  King  of  kings  should 
thus  evince  his  sense  of  the  honours  paid 
to  his  courtiers.  Oh  !  blessed  are  those 
who  by  their  love  for  and  devotion  to  the 
Angels,  and  submission  to  the  holy  lessons 
which  they  have  inspired,  find  themselves 
encompassed  with  their  protection  at  the 
last  hour,  as  with  “a  tower  of  defence/' 
but  wo  to  those,  who  have  seldom  thought 


50 


DEVOTION  TO 


put  thieves  and  outlaws  to  death,  in  order 
to  preserve  the  lives  and  properties  of  their 
subjects — the  blessed  spirits  will  destroy 
the  schemes  of  their  apostate  brethren  for 
our  eternal  ruin ;  and  with  them  we  shall 
sing  a  canticle  of  joy  and  a  psalm  of  jubi¬ 
lation,  because  we  shall  have  obtained  the 
victory. 


MOTIVE  NINTH. 

The  great  helps  the  Holy  Angels  afford  us  at  the 
Hour  of  Heath. 

If  to  a  pagan  philosopher  death  appeared 
of  all  terrible  things  the  most  terrible,  in 
what  light  should  it  be  viewed  by  a  Chris¬ 
tian,  to  whom  God  has  revealed  its  conse¬ 
quences  ?  When  a  person  thinks  seriously, 
that  on  the  moment  of  death  depends  a 
happy  or  miserable  eternity,  his  heart  must 
be  obdurate  indeed,  if  he  be  not  struck 
with  fear;  for  “if  the  just  be  scarcely 
saved,  where  will  the  sinner  appear  ?”  0 

Lord  !  “  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy 
servant,  for  no  one  living  can  be  justified 
in  thy  sight !”  The  holy  abbot  Agatho,  be¬ 
ing  seized  with  trembling  at  his  last  hour, 
and  his  religious  having  asked  him  the 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


51 


cause — he  replied,  that  though  by  the  great 
mercy  of  God,  his  conscience  did  not  re¬ 
proach  him  with  anything,  yet  that  the 
divine  judgments  being  very  different  from 
those  of  men,  he  was  in  great  alarm.  No 
wonder  he  should  have  felt  so — all  our  good 
works  being  imperfect  in  the  sight  of  the 
Divine  Majesty.  If  the  Angels  succour  us 
in  this  dread  moment,  do  they  not  prove 
themselves  our  true  friends  ?  It  is  in  the 
time  of  affliction  a  person  knows  a  sincere 
friend ;  and  behold  in  the  hour  of  death, 
when  all  abandon  us  to  our  fate,  when  our 
body  is  consigned  to  the  solitary  tomb, 
and  our  soul  “  goes  to  the  house  of  its  eter¬ 
nity/7  the  Angels,  faithful  to  their  charge, 
never  depart  from  us. — Our  Lord  once  re¬ 
vealed,  that  souls  devoted  to  the  Angels 
during  life  shall  receive  extraordinary  helps 
from  them  at  the  hour  of  death.  And  it 
is  most  just  that  the  King  of  kings  should 
thus  evince  his  sense  of  the  honours  paid 
to  his  courtiers.  Oh !  blessed  are  those 
who  by  their  love  for  and  devotion  to  the 
Angels,  and  submission  to  the  holy  lessons 
which  they  have  inspired,  find  themselves 
encompassed  with  their  protection  at  the 
last  hour,  as  with  “a  tower  of  defence/7 
but  wo  to  those,  who  have  seldom  thought 


54 


DEVOTION  TO 


Heaven  !  How  many  say,  that  they  care 
not,  provided  they  may  be  in  Heaven  at 
all,  what  place  they  hold  there.  No  doubt, 
the  last  place  there  is  too  high  for  persons 
who  once  deserved  an  everlasting  hell ; 
but  since  our  merciful  God  calls  us  to 
aspire  after  the  highest,  it  would  betray 
great  baseness  of  soul  to  be  indifferent 
about  it.  “  Be  ambitious  of  the  better 
gifts/7  says  the  Holy  Ghost.  St.  Teresa 
and  St.  Francis  Borgia  declared,  that  for 
one  sole  degree  of  increased  glory  in-  hea¬ 
ven,  they  would  consent  to  burn  in  the 
flames  of  Purgatory  till  the  day  of  judg¬ 
ment.  These  enlightened  souls  well  knew 
its  excellence — whereas  we  are  incapable 
of  discerning  it,  our  sight  being  obscured 
by  the  vapours  of  flesh  and  blood.  If  it 
be  asked,  are  not  all  the  blessed  perfectly 
content  ? — we  reply,  they  are — but  their 
joy  is  not  equal.  u  As  one  star  differs 
from  another  in  brightness,  so  the  resurrec¬ 
tion  of  the  dead. 77  The  great  spiritualist, 
Thaulerus,  says,  that  there  is  more  differ¬ 
ence  between  one  of  the  blessed  who  holds 
the  first  rank  in  the  celestial  empire,  and 
another  in  an  inferior  degree,  than  between 
a  mighty  sovereign  and  an  abject  peasant. 
This  should  excite  us  to  great  and  noble 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


55 


exertions,  although  there  were  no  other 
motive  than  that  by  our  greater  glory  and 
happiness  God  will  be  more  glorified  eter¬ 
nally.  One  sole  degree  of  the  glory  of 
God  would  cause  a  soul  who  truly  loves 
him  to  endure  ten  thousand  deaths;  and 
here  it  is  not  only  one  degree  there  is  ques¬ 
tion  of,  but  as  many  as  there  are  moments  in 
that  eternity  which  is  to  be  the  term  of  our 
happiness.  Devotion  to  the  Angels  con¬ 
tributes  wonderfully  to  the  perfection  of 
divine  love,  and  consequently  to  the  in¬ 
crease  of  glory  in  Heaven.  These  holy 
Spirits  are  all  fire,  and  it  is  impossible ‘to 
approach  them  often,  without  catching  fire 
and  participating  in  their  ardours.  If, 
with  the  Saiuts,  we  become  sanctified — 
with  the  Angels,  we  are  rendered  celestial. 
It  is  the  property  of  love  to  make  lovers 
equal;  therefore  our  love  for,  and  union 
with  the  Angels,  will  give  us  some  resem¬ 
blance  to  them.  Moreover,  they  are,  as 
we  before  said,  most*  anxious  to  render  us 
holy  and  perfect.  What  profit  should  we 
not  reap,  if  we  were  more  docile  “  to  the 
voice  of  their  orders” — if  we  loved  to  fre¬ 
quent  their  school  and  hearken  to  their  in¬ 
structions?  When  St.  Teresa  was  about 
to  enter  a  more  perfect  life,  a  celestial 


56 


DEVOTION  TO 


voice  said  to  her,  that  she  should  no  longer 
hold  converse  with  men,  but  with  Angels. 
If  intercourse  with  men  be  an  obstacle  to 
sanctity,  familiarity  with  the  Angels  helps 
to  our  progress  in  it.  Thus  the  greatest 
Saints  have  been  the  most  devoted  to  the 
Angels.  Let  us  endeavour  to  become  so 
too,  and  we  shall  speedily  advance  in  the 
ways  of  true  sanctity,  and  enjoy  in  Heaven 
an  eminent  degree  of  glory. 


MOTIVE  ELEVENTH. 

The  Blessed  Virgin  is  glorified  by  our  Devotion  to 

the  Angels. 

The  increase  of  the  glory  of  the  admira¬ 
ble  Mother  of  God  is  a  motive  not  a  little 
powerful  with  those  who  love  her.  We 
read  that  many  persons,  vicious  in  other 
respects,  have  been  so  touched  with  the 
honour  of  this  blessed  Mother,  as  to  pro¬ 
test  that  they  would  willingly  sacrifice  their 
lives  for  it.  Now,  if  rebellious  souls  were 
so  zealous  for  the  honour  of  this  august 
Queen  of  the  sweets  of  Paradise,  with 
much  more  reason  should  pious  souls  be 
induced  to  labour  in  so  holy  a  cause.  We 
can  never  sufficiently  honour  her.  Ac- 


TIIE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


57 


cording  to  the  testimony  of  the  great  Saint 
Bridget  of  Hungary,  the  Angels,  from  the 
commencement  of  the  world,  conceived  so 
warm  a  love  and  so  pure  a  -zeal  for  the 
interests  of  Mary,  that  they  were  more 
pleased  that  she  should  receive  existence 
than  that  they  themselves  had  been  created. 
How  many  persons,  in  imitation  of  these 
blessed  Spirits,  and  by  their  powerful  suc¬ 
cour,  have  since  preferred  the  interest  of 
this  blessed  Virgin  to  their  own  interest — 
her  honour  to  their  own  honour  !  I  have 
known  several  who  were  willing  to  sacrifice 
their  life  a  thousand  times  for  her  honour, 
and  who  would  remain  amid  the  fire  and 
flames  of  Purgatory  till  the  day  of  judg¬ 
ment,  to  preserve  her  the  least  degree  of 
glory.  There  is  nothing  which  a  good 
heart  would  not  be  willing  to  do  and  suffer 
for  this  Holy  Virgin;  all  would  appear 
little  to  it  when  done  for  her  who  deserved 
to  be  the  Mother  of  God.  This  it  is  which 
persuades  me  that  the  motive  of  her  glory 
will  induce  men  to  be  devout  to  the  Angels. 
Being  mistress  general  of  the  celestial 
host,  the  Angels  are  the  soldiers  of  her 
who  alone  “is  terrible  as  an  enemy  set  in 
battle  array. ”  They  have  vigorously  com¬ 
batted  for  her  glory  from  the  beginning, 


58 


DEVOTION  TO 


opposing  themselves  against  Lucifer  and 
his  adherents,  who  refused  to  submit  to  her 
dominion,  when  God  had  revealed  to  them 
that  she  would  one  day  become  their 
Queen.  Being  the  august  Empress  of 
Paradise,  the  Angels  are  her  subjects,  and 
consider  it  a  great  honour  to  be  obedient 
to  her  laws.  As  lady  or  mistress  of  the 
Angels,  these  pure  spirits  are  her  servants, 
and  so  faithful  that  they  fly  at  the  least  in¬ 
timation  of  her  will.  According  to  the 
opinion  of  Theologians,  Mary  is  mother  of 
the  Angels,  and  the  friend  of  these  holy 
Spirits — for  the  Spouse  in  the  Canticles 
says  to  her,  “  speak,  my  beloved,  for  the 
friends  hear m”  and  these  friends  are  the 
Angels. 

Now,  do  not  all  these  titles,  which  con¬ 
nect  Mary  with  the  Angels,  show  that  her 
glory  is  concerned  in  their  veneration  ? 
The  servants,  subjects,  and  soldiers  of  so 
great  a  Queen,  have  all  manner  of  claims 
on  our  homage  and  devotion.  Let  us  then 
praise  and  bless  the  holy  Angels,  because 
this  most  pure  Virgin,  our  amiable  Mother, 
is  praised  and  blessed  in  them  and  by 
them )  but  let  us,  above  all,  praise  that 
Lord,  who  has  operated  all  that  is  good  or 
great  in  our  Lady  of  the  Angels  and  the 


V 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


59 


Angels  themselves — God  alone !  God  alone! 
God  alone! 


MOTIVE  TWELFTH. 

The  Honour  of  God  alone  in  connected  icith  the  De¬ 
votion  to  the  Holy  Angels. 

When  a  person  has  said  “  God,”  he  has 
said  all.  A  true  lover  of  this  Divine 
Being  can  say  nothing  more,  since  he 
knows  nothing  more.  “  What  have  I 
in  heaven,  or  on  earth,”  exclaims  such  a 
one,  “  but  thee,  my  God  !  I  care  not  for 
honours,  or  riches,  or  pleasures;  in  Hea¬ 
ven  itself,  I  regard  but  God  alone — He  is 
my  only  all  in  all  things.”  Such  was  St. 
Catherine  of  Genoa;  she  could  not  bear 
the  word  “  mine ;”  that  is,  she  could  not 
bear  to  regard  self-interest,  even  in  good 
things.”  “  0  my  God,  and  my  all  !”  used 
the  humble  St.  Francis  to  exclaim;  and  in 
repeating  these  words  of  love,  he  fre¬ 
quently  passed  the  days  and  nights.  Pure 
love  can  see  but  God  alone — it  can  attach 
itself  only  to  God  alone.  None  but  the 
interests  of  God  alone  can  possibly  affect 
it;  all  its  joy  is  to  see  them  established — 
all  its  regret  to  see  them  neglected.  A 
soul  who  loves  in  this  manner,  cares  little 


60 


DEVOTION  TO 


for  the  esteem  or  contempt  of  creatures, 
however  holy  they  may  be.  The  contra¬ 
dictions  it  meets  from  the  servants  of  God, 
and  the  censure  heaped  on  such  actions  as 
grace  inspires  it  to  perform,  give  it  no 
concern;  on  the  contrary,  as  its  abandon¬ 
ments  increase,  its  joy  becomes  more  great — 
its  repose  more  calm — its  peace  more  pro¬ 
found — for  its  greatest  felicity  is  to  be 
freed  from  the  creature,  in  order  to  be 
wholly  occupied  with  the  Creator. 

This  increated  Being,  God  alone,  makes 
all  the  occupation  of  the  blessed  in  hea¬ 
ven — and  it  were  but  just  that  he  made 
that  of  men  on  earth  ;  but  alas  !  they  seek 
their  treasure,  their  delight,  elsewhere. 
Even  those  who  are  freed  from  grosser  at¬ 
tachments  are  not  without  their  petty  de¬ 
sires  and  little  interests.  A  holy  soul  one 
day  saw  in  spirit,  that,  among  a  thousand, 
scarcely *one  hundred  love  God — and  of 
this  number  not  one  almost  who  loved  him 
purely  for  his  own  sake.  The  angelic  na¬ 
ture  is  most  admirable ;  but  it  is  in  and 
from  God  alone  that  it  possesses  all  its 
excellencies.  It  is  then  for  God  alone  that 
we  should  honour  the  blessed  Spirits. 
Holy  souls,  observing  nothing  in  them  but 
this  infinite  Majesty,  exclaim,  transported 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


61 


with  joy  at  the  happy  discovery,  u  0  ce¬ 
lestial  Spirits !  how  amiable  is  your  beauty, 
since  it  is  a  reflection  of  the  increated 
beauty  of  the  Divinity  !  We  indeed  should 
love  you,  since  we  see  in  you  but  God 
alone — since  you  have  been  always  filled 
with  God  alone.  How  could  we  refuse  to 
love  you,  since  you  have  always  loved  and 
been  always  loved  by  love  itself !  0  my 

soul  !  God  wills  and  ordains  that  we  love 
his  Angels.  Let  us  then  regulate  our  in¬ 
clinations  by  his,  and  make  these  glorious 
princes  the  objects  of  our  love,  for  God 
alone  !  God  alone  !  God  alone  ! 


DEVOTION  TO  THE  NINE  CHOIRS 
OE  ANGELS.  . 

Strong  ^3  art. 

PRACTICE  FIRST. 

To  have  a  singular  Devotion  to  the  holy  Spirits  of 
the  Jirst  Choir — the  Angela ,  Archangels,  and  Prin¬ 
cipalities. 

The  third  or  last  Hierarchy  of  the  Holy 
Angels  is  formed  of  three  Choirs — Angels, 
Archangels,  and  Principalities.  They  are 


62 


DEVOTION  TO 


particularly  applied  to  the  affairs  of  king¬ 
doms  and  provinces,  and  in  general  to  all 
that  regards  the  happiness  of  man.  Their 
goodness  and  kindness  is  so  great,  that  we 
can  never  make  them  a  suitable  return. 
The  principalities  are  so  called,  says  St. 
Gregory,  because  they  are  the  princes  of 
the  other  two  choirs,  and  communicate  to 
them  those  lights  and  intelligences  which 
they  receive  from  the  higher  Hierarchies. 
The  Archangels  watch  over  kingdoms  and 
provinces — and  the  Angels  are  appointed 
the  guardians  of  men.  Let  us  have  a  great 
devotion  to  this  blessed  choir,  honouring 
not  only  our  own  Angels  but  also  those  of 
others.  Let  us  honour  the  Angels  of  Infi¬ 
dels,  and  often  go  in  spirit  to  the  countries 
they  inhabit,  to  pay  our  respects  to  them. 
These  poor  blind  people  know  not  even 
that  there 'are  Angels,  and  behold  the  un¬ 
wearied  patience  and  love  of  these  blessed 
Spirits  in  guarding  and  defending  them. 
Do  make  atonement  to  them )  communi¬ 
cate  sometimes,  give  alms,  hear  mass,  for 
this  intention — and  let  your  heart  often 
salute  these  holy  Angels.  The  more  they 
are  slighted,  the  more  they  will  love  and 
acknowledge  your  services.  If  a  great 
king,  in  the  revolt  of  his  subjects,  received 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


63 


considerable  services  from  foreigners,  be 
would  not  fail  to  acknowledge  them  grate¬ 
fully,  when  reinstated  in  his  dominions  : 
hence  judge  what  you  may  expect  from 
the  princes  of  the  celestial  realm.  Do  the 
same  for  the  Angels  of  Heretics — for  those 
of  uninstructed  Catholics,  the  greater  num¬ 
ber  of  whom  know  as  little  about  these 
holy  Spirits,  as  Pagans  and  Infidels.  Pray 
for  their  conversion,  that  knowing  the 
adorable  Jesus,  whom  God  has  sent,  and 
Mary  his  amiable  mother,  they  may  also 
know  and  honour  the  Angels. 

Be  devout  to  the  Angels  of  your  friends; 
these  often  render  you  services,  which  you 
would  not  receive  from  your  own  guardian. 
As,  in  the  number  of  your  friends,  your 
confessor  holds  the  first  place,  honour  par¬ 
ticularly  his  Angel,  and  pray  him  to  bear 
on  his  mind  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the 
designs  of  God  on  those  whom  he  directs. 
Honour  the  Angels  of  your  parents,  rela¬ 
tions,  benefactors,  and-  of  all  with  whom 
you  have  to  do ;  they  have  more  part  than 
you  think  in  the  favours  you  receive  by 
means  of  those  persons.  Be  devout  to  the 
Angels  of  your  enemies — it  is  the  true  way 
to  gain  them — or,  if  God  wills  that  you 
should  suffer  the  effects  of  their  hatred,  it 


64 


DEVOTION  TO 


is  the  best  means  of  obtaining  grace  to 
love  them  cordially  and  make  a  good  use 
of  your  sufferings.  In  fine,  revere  tbe 
Angels  of  the  Sovereign  Pontiff,  the 
Bishops,  the  Clergy,  and  all  persons  in 
authority — that  they  may  fitly  discharge 
their  obligations. 

From  the  Angels,  let  us  ascend  to  the 
Archangels,  who  watch  over  empires,  &c. 
Let  us  not  only  honour  those  among  them 
who  guard  our  own  city  or  kingdom,  but 
also  those  of  the  places  through  which  we 
pass — as  Father  le  Fevre,  the  first  com¬ 
panion  of  St.  Ignatius,  used  to  do.  The 
Angelic  Doctor  teaches,  that  God  generally 
makes  use  of  the  ministry  of  the  Angels 
for  all  that  he  does  on  earth  :  let  us  invoke 
them  in  time  of  plague,  famine,  war,  and 
other  public  calamities,  and  we  shall  soon 
perceive  the  effects  of  their  charitable 
cares. 

Our  churches  and  altars  have  Angels, 
not  only  to  render  homage  to  the  Divine 
Sovereign  who  resides  in  them  in  his  Sacra¬ 
ment,  but  also  to  guard  and  defend  them. 
A  holy  solitary  once  learned  from  the 
mouth  of  an  Angel,  that  he  had  been  ap¬ 
pointed  to  watch  over  an  altar,  and  had 
never  departed  from  it  since  the  moment 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


G5  • 

of  its  consecration.  It  is  to  these  Angels 
we  should  recur  to  supply  our  negligences 
and  tepidities — to  atone  for  our  irreve¬ 
rences  and  disrespects  before,  the  Divine 
Sacrament.  It  is  well  to  unite  in  the  love 
and  homage  which  they  continually  render 
to  it,  and  like  the  Psalmist,  to  “  sing  can¬ 
ticles  of  praise  to  our  God  in  the  presence 
of  his  Angels.” 

0  my  Lord  and  my  God !  here  permit 
me  to  bewail,  in  the  presence  of  your  Di¬ 
vine  Majesty,  the  deplorable  blindness  of 
Christians,  who  are  the  children  of  light, 
regarding  your  holy  Sacrament.  Is  it 
then  true,  that  they  still  believe  you  to  be 
really  present  in  this  adorable  mystery, 
and  behave  as  they  do  ?  We  are  seized 
with  horror  when  we  reflect  04  the  irreve¬ 
rences  committed  against  you  by  Heretics 
and  Infidels )  but  those  offered  to  you  by 
Christians,  who  profess  themselves  ready 
to  sacrifice  their  lives  in  defence  of  this 
adorable  truth,  are  inconceivable.  We 
have  seen,  with  astonishment,  tabernacles 
full  of  dust  and  cobwebs — chalices,  from 
which  the  precious  blood  of  God  is  re¬ 
ceived,  most  mean  and  despicable — and 
these  covered  with  such  tattered  linen  as 
to  excite  disgust.  If  we  enter  our  churches, 

5 


66 


DEVOTION  TO 


we  find  them  either  totally  deserted,  or 
crowded  with  persons  whose  sentiments 
and  conduct  ill  befit  the  sanctity  of  the 
place.  This  is  not  all — the  sufferings 
which  love  has  imposed  on  our  Sovereign 
stop  not  here.  Many,  by  a  malice  which 
should  cause  the  pillars  of  Heaven  to 
tremble,  receive  the  body  of  the  God  of 
Heaven  and  Earth  in  the  state  of  mortal 
sin,  either  because  they  conceal  them  .in 
confession,  or  had  not  a  true  sorrow  for 
them,  or  a  firm  purpose  to  avoid  those  oc¬ 
casions  which  would  lead  them  anew  to 
their  commission.  We  weep  over  the 
passion  of  the  Son  of  God — we  loudly  con¬ 
demn  Judas  who  betrayed  him  to  the 
Jews — but  the  sin  of  the  unworthy  com¬ 
municant  is* much  greater,  since  he  delivers 
him  up  to  the  Devil !  0  !  Angels  of  Para¬ 

dise  !  I  address  myself  to  you — knowing 
the  obduracy  of  men,  inspire  them  with 
all  that  respect  for  the  adorable  body  of 
your  Sovereign,  which  they  are  capable  of 
conceiving — give  them  a  knowledge  of 
the  dispositions  with  which  it  should  be 
received: — that  this  abominable  crime,  this 
sin  more  hellish  than  human,  may  be  no 
more  committed.  Inspire  the  rich  to  pro¬ 
vide  phurcbes  and  altars,  with  suitable  de- 


TIIE  nOLY  ANGELS. 


67 


corations — and  repair,  by  your  unceasing 
homage,  the  insults  which  have  been 
offered  to  this  mystery  of  inconceivable 
love. 

These  holy  Spirits,  knowing  so  perfectly 
the  divine  excellence  of  that  Lamb  without 
spot  whom  love,  incomprehensible  love, 
has  caused  to  take  up  his  abode  among  us, 
have  great  zeal  for  the  decoration  of  his 
altars.  It  is  giving  them  as  great  joy  to 
make  presents  which  contribute  thereto,  as 
it  inspires  them  with  regret  to  see  them  so 
much  neglected.  They  cannot  comprehend 
how  Christians,  enlightened  by  faith,  can  be 
so  anxious  about  the  decoration  of  their 
houses  and  persons,  and  so  utterly  indiffe¬ 
rent  to  the  ornamenting  of  the  house  of 
God. 

Confraternities  and  Sodalities,  also,  have 
their  Angels.  It  is  related  by  F.  Barri, 
of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  that  a  young  stu¬ 
dent,  a  member  of  the  confraternity  of  the 
Holy  Virgin,  established  in  the  colleges  of 
the  Society,  was  favoured  with  the  pre¬ 
sence  of  the  tutelary  of  this  association  for 
three  days  before  his  death,  because,  as  the 
Angel  said,  he  had  been  observant  of  its 
rules. 

Let  us  also  be  devout  to  the  Principali- 


68 


DEVOTION  TO 


ties.  Man  is  in  himself  a  little  world ;  he 
should  rule  over  his  passions  and  appetites, 
as  a  king  over  his  subjects;  but,  as  his 
empire  is  so  weakened  by  sin,  he  stands  in 
need  of  support  and  assistance.  The  Prin¬ 
cipalities,  so  called  because  of  their  do¬ 
minion  over  the  inferior  choirs,  will  render 
*“im  their  aid,  provided  he  do  not  render 
himself  unworthy  of  it  by  neglecting  de¬ 
votion  to  them. 


PRACTICE  SECOND. 

•Vo  honour  specially  the  Powers ,  Virtues,  and 
Dominations. 

The  Second  Hierarchy  of  Angels  is 
composed  of  the  Powers,  Virtues,  and 
Dominations.  The  Dominations,  as  the 
principal  Choir,  give  or  dispense  the  orders 
which  they  receive  from  the  higher  Angels 
— the  virtues  enable  us  to  execute  them — 
and  the  Powers  to  surmount  the  obstacles 
which  the  Devils  oppose  thereto.  We 
have  elsewhere  demonstrated  the  malicious 
arts  of  these  wicked  spirits;  it  is  to  the 
Powers  that  God  has  given  the  special 
grace  to  defeat  them.  Hence  it  is  of  the 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


69 


greatest  importance  in  the  spiritual  life  to 
honour  these  blessed  spirits.  We  cannot  de¬ 
tail  the  happy  effects  which  proceed  from  it. 
When  we  see  storms  raised  in  the  Church, 
or  opposition  excited  against  those  who 
labour  for  the  increase  of  divine  glory — 
if  we  recur  to  the  holy  Powers,  we  shall 
soon  perceive  how^owerful  they  are  in 
overturning;  and  defeating  the  machinations 
of  hell. 

With  all  our  good  desires,  wTe  do  very 
little;  our  tongues  are  longer  thau  our 
arms.  It  seems  as  if  nothing  could  arrest 
our  course — and  when  we  make  a  few 
steps,  we  grow  tired  and  think  of  reposing. 
Poor,  weak  creatures !  Our  senses  and 
inclinations  overcome  us;  we  yield  to  them 
for  a  trifle,  and  yet  we  are  still  weaker 
than  we  think.  Let  devotion  to  the  Vir¬ 
tues  be  then  our  resource.  St.  Gregory 
supposes  that  it  is  by  them  God  generally 
operates  the  greater  number  of  miracles. 
Let  us  invoke  them  in  our  weaknesses,  and 
counsel  those  who  often  fail,  notwithstand¬ 
ing  their  good  desires,  to  do  so  too.  Let 
us  call  on  them  in  the  hour  of  temptation, 
and  praise  and  thank  them  when  we  have 
gained  the  victory. 

If  the  Dominations  dispense  the  orders 


70 


DEVOTION  TO 


of  God  to  the  other  Angels,  they  manifest 
his  holy  will  to  man.  0 !  how  happy 
should  we  be,  if  we  always  discerned  this 
blessed  will !  But  alas  !  we  often  mistake 
for  it  the  will  of  the  creature,  and  still 
oftener,  when  we  know  it,  we  find  it  diffi¬ 
cult  to  submit  to  it.  We  wish  that  the 
will  of  God  may  be  done,  but  in  such  a 
manner  as  we  wish.  rlPhis  is  not  true  con¬ 
formity.  A  soul  touched  with  the  love  of 
God  would  fly  to  the  remotest  corner  of  the 
earth  at  his  nod ;  she  wishes  that  God  may 
be  absolute  in  her  and  in  all  creatures— 
that  his  will  may  be  done  as  he  pleases, 
and  because  he  pleases.  If  at  any  time  she 
is  ignorant  of  this  will,  and  prays  to  the 
Dominations,  they  will  not  fail  to  manifest 
it  to  her,  being  Secretaries  of  State  to  the 
great  King  Jesus.  0  my  God  !  how  just 
it  appears,  that  all  should  serve  and  be 
subject  to  you  !  “  All  the  nations  are  be¬ 

fore  you  as  a  drop  of  dew.”  He  who 
knows  your  will,  and  does  it  not,  deserves 
punishment  indeed.  0  !  may  it  be  done 
in  all  things — and  may  we  seek  our  peace 
only  in  its  accomplishment.  Amen. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


71 


PRACTICE  THIRD. 

To  entertain  a  profound  respect  and  extraordinary 
love  for  the  Thrones ,  the  Cherubim  and  Seraphim . 

The  first  Hierarchy  of  the  Angels  is 
composed  of  the  Thrones,  the  Cherubim 
and  Seraphim.  The  latter  excel  in  love — 
hence  their  name,  Seraphim,  which  signi¬ 
fies  ardour.  Though  all  the  Angels  love 
fervently,  the  love  of  the  Seraphim  exceeds 
by  many  degrees  the  love  of  the  other  in¬ 
ferior  choirs.  The  great  St.  Denis  distin¬ 
guishes  in  it  all  the  properties  of  fire. 
This  element  is  always  in  motion  :  the  Se¬ 
raphim  continually  tend  to  God.  Fire  al¬ 
ways  acts  while  it  has  matter;  the  Se¬ 
raphim  continually  feed  on  God  alone. 
Fire  is  inflexible ;  the  love  of  the  Seraphim 
is  immutable.  Fire  possesses  great  warmth : 
the  Seraphim  are  all  flame.  Fire  never 
loses  its  light;  the  ardour  of  the  Seraphim 
is  never  lessened.  Fire  penetrates  the  mat¬ 
ter  on  which  it  acts;  the  Seraphim  enjoy 
the  most  perfect  union  with  the  Divinity. 
In  fine — fire  warms  and  purifies;  the  Se¬ 
raphim  convey,  from  their  divine  centre, 
love  and  light  to  all  the  inferior  Angels. 

Science  is  attributed  to  the  Cherubim,  as 


72 


DEVOTION  TO 


love  is  to  the  Seraphim.  They  have,  says 
St.  Gregory,  all  the  plenitude  of  the  divine 
light,  and  their  sacred  brightness  irradiates 
the  other  Hierarchies.  Ezechiel  saw  them 
in  a  vision,  all  full  of  eyes,  to  designate 
their  vast  intelligence. 

The  thrones  are  so  called,  because  God 
is  said  to  be  seated  on  them ;  but  if  mate¬ 
rial  thrones  give  repose  to  the  Sovereigns 
who  sit  upon  them,  the  celestial  Thrones 
receive  their  repose  from  the  Eternal  King. 
They  enjoy  an  incomprehensible  peace — 
for  wherever  God  abides,  he  communicates 
his  divine  peace  and  tranquillity.  This 
peace  of  God  is  very  different  from  that  of 
men.  “  I  come,”  said  our  divine  Master, 
“  not  to  send  peace,  but  the  sword.”  To 
obtain  this  so  desirable  peace,  it  is  necessary 
not  to  fear  or  hope  for  anything  from  crea¬ 
tures — to  live  by  faith — to  make  no  more 
account  of  created  things,  than  if  they  were 
not — to  desire  no  share  in  the  friendship  or 
esteem  of  men — to  lose,  in  fine,  all  our  de¬ 
sires  in  an  entire  acquiescence  in  the  divine 
pleasure.  Be  devout  to  the  Thrones,  and 
they  will  exert  themselves  in  obtaining  for 
you  this  greatest  of  all  blessings. 

In  like  manner  with  the  Cherubim.  It 
is  said,  that  in  the  way  of  virtue  we  know 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


73 


more  than  we  do )  but  it  is  certain  that 
perfect  knowledge  is  rare.  We  speak  of 
that  of  the  saints.  Few  persons  are  prac¬ 
tically  convinced  of  the  excellence  of  po¬ 
verty  and  humiliation — of  the  advantages 
of  the  hidden  and  suffering  life.  It  is  in 
the  school  of  a  God,  and  at  the  feet  of  the 
crucifix,  that  this  divine  lesson  is  to  be 
learned.  Let  us  frequent  it  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Cherubim,  the  spirits  of 
light,  and  we  shall  soon  be  illumined,  and 
walk  in  the  brightness  of  the  children  of 
God. 

If  the  Cherubim  be  the  ministers  of  the 
lights  of  God,  the  Seraphim  are  those  of 
his  love.  Whoever  aspires  to  this  most 
sublime  virtue,  should  be  particularly  de¬ 
vout  to  them.  The  Saints  most  remark¬ 
able  for  their  love  of  God  have  been  most 
devout  to  these  divine  spirits — witness  a 
St.  Francis  and  a  St.  Teresa.  The  glory 
reserved  for  such  souls  in  Heaven  is  to  be 
elevated  to  and  ranked  in  this  blessed  choir. 
How  good  is  our  God,  to  associate  his  poor 
servants  among  such  super-eminent  beings 
as  the  holy  Seraphim  ! 


74 


DEVOTION  TO 


PRACTICE  FOURTH. 

To  have  a  great  Devotion  to  the  Seven  Spirits  who 
are  before  the  Throne. 

The  Holy  Scriptures  assure  us,  that 
there  are  seven  of  the  holy  Angels  spe¬ 
cially  appointed  to  assist  before  the  Throne, 
and  stand  continually  in  the  presence  of  the 
Most  High.  In  the  1st  chapter  of  the 
Apocalypse,  grace  and  peace  are  given  in 
the  name  of  these  sublime  Spirits.  We 
only  know  the  names  of  three  of  them — St. 
Michael,  St.  Gabriel,  St.  Raphael.  Some 
say  that  the  fourth  is  called  Uriel,  of  whom 
there  is  mention  made  in  the  Book  of  Es- 
dras.  E.  Barri  relates,  that  in  the  city  of 
Palermo,  in  Sicily,  and  in  that  of  Rome,  a 
church  was  dedicated  to  God  in  honour  of 
these  seven  Angels,  and  that  they  were  ex¬ 
cellently  portrayed  there  with  their  appro¬ 
priate  symbols.  Saint  Michael  was  repre¬ 
sented  as  triumphing  over  Lucifer,  bearing 
in  his  left  hand  a  verdant  palm,  and  a  lance 
in  his  right,  at  the  top  of  which  was  a 
standard  as  white  as  snow,  with  a  cross  in 
the  middle :  St.  Gabriel  appeared  with  a 
flambeau  shut  up  in  a  lantern  in  one  hand, 
and  a  mirror  in  the  other,  variegated  with 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


75 


spots  of  different  colours ;  St.  Raphael  was 
painted  with  a  fish  in  his  mouth,  and  a  box 
in  his  hand,  guiding  Tobias.  Uriel,  or  the 
fourth  Angel,  held  in  his  right  hand  a 
naked  sword,  while  his  left  hung  enveloped 
in  flames.  The  fifth  was  in  the  attitude 
of  a  suppliant,  with  his  eyes  modestly  bent ; 
the  sixth  had  a  crown  of  gold  in  his  right 
hand,  and  a  whip  of  three  black  cords  in 
the  left;  and  the  seventh  bore  enwrapped 
in  the  end  of  a  mantle,  wherewith  he  was 
clothed,  a  quantity  of  white  roses.  We 
are  induced  to  be  minute  in  describing  this 
picture,  in  the  hope  that  some  person  may 
paint  such  a  one,  knowing  from  experience, 
that  even  a  view  of  the  tablets  or  images 
of  the  Angels  is  of  great  profit  and  advan¬ 
tage.  But  to  say  something  of  each  in 
particular : 

St.  Michael,  the  first  of  these  blessed 
princes,  defended  the  honour  of  the  Word 
incarnate  against  Lucifer.  It  is  supposed 
he  was  the  first  who  adored  him  in  the 
manger.  He  is  the  tutelary  of  the  holy 
Church,  and  is  in  a  particular  manner  the 
protector  of  France.  At  Avranches  there 
is  a  church  dedicated  to  him,  vulgarly 
called  Mount  St.  Michael.  He  is  the  guar¬ 
dian  of  the  dying,  according  to  Saints  Au- 


76 


DEVOTION  TO 


gustine  and  Bonaventure.  This  latter  af¬ 
firms,  that  he  receives  orders  from  the 
Mother  of  God,  to  assist  more  specially 
those  who  are  devout  to  her.  St.  Michael 
is  the  highest  among  the  Seraphim,  and 
the  chief  of  the  celestial  host.  If  we  love 
the  Church — if  we  love  ourselves — if  we  are 
desirous  to  overcome  our  self-love,  and  so¬ 
licitous  to  provide  against  our  last  hour, 
we  must  be  devout  to  him. 

St.  Gabriel  is  also  one  of  the  Seraphim, 
though,  like  St.  Michael,  denominated  an 
archangel.,  But  this  title  is  common  to  the 
most  glorious  of  the  blessed  Spirits,  as  that 
of  Angel  is  to  them  all,  of  whatever  order 
they  may  be.  It  was  this  holy  spirit  that 
was  deputed  by  God  to  announce  the  incar¬ 
nation  of  his  Son  to  Mary.  It  is  supposed 
that  he  was  the  Guardian  Angel  of  this 
blessed  Virgin.  Hence  judge  of  his  supe¬ 
rior  sanctity  and  excellence,  and  learn  to 
honour  him  as  he  deserves. 

We  need  only  to  peruse  the  history  of 
Tobias,  to  be  devout  to  St.  Raphael,  the 
third  Angel — for  he  rendered  this  young 
man  most  important  services,  conducting 
him  safely  in  his  journey,  and  teaching 
him  how  to  avoid  the  snares  which  Satan 
had  so  effectually  employed  to  destroy  the 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


77 


former  husbands  of  tho  wife  whom  he  had 
espoused.  Pilgrims  and  travellers  ought 
to  invoke  him,  and  indeed  all  Christians,  as 
we  are  all  pilgrims  and  sojourners  on  earth. 

Let  us  honour  all  these  blessed  Seven — 
let  us  be  but  truly  devout  to  them — let  us 
beg  their  prayers,  in  order  that  we  may 
avoid  the  seven  capital  sins,  and  obtain  the 
seven  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 


PRACTICE  FIFTH. 

I  To  converse  interiorly  with  the  Angels. 

Render  familiar  to  yourselves  the  con¬ 
verse  of  the  holy  Angels,  says  St.  Bernard 
to  his  religious,  and  often  call  them  to 
mind.  We  willingly  converse  with  men — 
and  behold  the  world  is  full  of  Angels,  and 
these  most  amiable  and  excellent  in  every 
point  of  view,  and  yet  scarcely  can  there  be 
found  a  few  who  think  of  them.  Is  it  that 
we  doubt  of  their  presence,  because  we  do 
not  behold  them  with  our  bodily  eyes  ? 
Have  we  not  faith  ?  Yes — but  alas  !  it  is 
greatly  weakened  by  our  attachment  to 
earthly  things.  The  holy  solitaries  being 
disengaged  from  all,  loved  the  company  of 


78 


DEVOTION  TO 


the  Angels,  and  spent  whole  days  in  com¬ 
muning  with  them;  while  we  find  an  houi 
much  too  long  to  converse  with  these  blessed 
Spirits.  Poor  blind  creatures  !  our  life  is 
wholly  sensual.  A  certain  holy  person  be¬ 
ing  one  day  standing  near  a  window  which 
opened  on  a  populous  street,  was  suddenly 
favoured  with  a  ray  of  divine  light,  by 
which  she  saw  that  men  lived  in  an  almost 
total  forgetfulness  of  spiritual  things.  Be¬ 
ing  thus  penetrated,  she  listened  to ‘what 
those  who  were  passing  by  said,  and  re¬ 
marked  that  not  one  spoke  of  God,  or  of 
the  Angels.  Some  spoke  of  houses  or 
farms  —  others  of  clothes  —  these  of  the 
weather — those  of  health  and  the  like. 
0 !  how  many  Angels  pass  by  with  these 
poor  people,  said  she,  and  yet  no  one  thinks 
of  them.  Greatly  affected  at  this  conside¬ 
ration,  she  went  to  a  fair  which  was  then 
being  held  in  the  vicinity,  to  pay  her  re¬ 
spects  interiorly  to  the  Angels  whom  she 
knew  to  be  there  in  great  numbers,  in  the 
company  of  those  of  whom  they  had  care, 
and  who  were  quite  unmindful  of  them. 
Behold  a  practice  worthy  of  imitation ! 
When  you  walk  through  town,  salute  inte¬ 
riorly  the  Angels  of  those  whom  you  meet. 
When  you  go  to  the  country,  pay  homage  to 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


79 


the  blessed  Spirits  who  are  there  even  more 
neglected,  because  of  the  ignorance  of  the 
poor  peasantry.  When  you  enter  into  a 
church,  or  a  public  assembly,  let  holy  faith 
manifest  to  you  the  presence  of  the  Angels. 
When  you  make  a  journey,  entertain  your¬ 
self  with  the  Angels  of  those  who  travel 
with  you.  When  among  your  friends,  say 
from  time  to  time  a  little  word  to  their 
Angels — and  when  alone  with  yourself, 
speak  to  and  entertain  these  blessed  Spirits. 

If  we  exhort  you  to  be  familiar  with 
and  devout  to  all  the  Angels,  we  are  still 
more  pressing  in  inviting  you  to  honour 
that  holy  Spirit  to  whose  care  God  com¬ 
mitted  you  at  the  moment  of  your  birth. 
He  thiuks  continually  of  you;  never  lose 
sight  of  him.  A  little  prayer,  said  morn¬ 
ing  and  night,  is  too  slight  a  testimony  of 
your  gratitude  towards  him.  If  a  prince 
of  the  eafth  came  to  reside  with  you, 
would  you  think  it  enough  to  pay  your  re¬ 
spects  to  him  once  or  twice  a  day,  and 
leave  him  alone  the  rest  of  the  time — par¬ 
ticularly  if  his  object  was  to  load  you  writh 
benefits  and  favours,  of  which  you  were 
*  utterly  unworthy  ?  Surely  you  would  not. 
Alas  !  it  is  only  to  spiritual  things  that 
we  are  indifferent  and  insensible.  Take 


80 


DEVOTION  TO 


then,  a  quarter  or  half  an  hour  sometimes 
to  pay  this  good  Angel  your  homage. 
Prostrate  yourself  before  him ;  crave  par¬ 
don  for  your  past  ingratitude;  ask  his 
blessing  :  tell  him  all  you  would  wish  to  say 
to  a  most  faithful  friend.:  Now  speak  to  him 
of  your  weaknesses,  miseries,  temptations — 
and  then  of  the  obligations  you  have  to 
him,  of  his  beauty,  his  perfections,  his  ad¬ 
mirable  qualifications.  Converse  with  him 
as  with  a  good  father,  a  tender  mother, 
an  incomparable  friend,  a  vigilant  pastor, 
a  charitable  guide,  a  skilful  physician,  a 
powerful  protector.  Entertain  your  good 
Angel  at  different  intervals  in  one  of  these 
characters — and  be  assured  that  the  time 
will  pass  much  more  agreeably  and  profit¬ 
ably  than  in  the  company  of  creatures. 
Sometimes  you  are  at  a  loss  for  a  com¬ 
panion — behold  your  good  Angel  always 
ready  to  converse  with  you.  When  a 
certain  religious  woman,  who  had  no  rela¬ 
tions  or  friends  that  might  visit  her,  was 
asked  if  she  felt  not  mortified  when  she 
saw  the  other  sisters  visited — “No,”  re¬ 
plied  she — “for  I  have  a  very  amiable 
person  to  cctn verse  with — and  when  I  learn* 
that  one  of  the  community  is  called  to  the 
parlour,  I  immediately  go  and  pay  him  a 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


81 


visit.  As  they  did  not  understand  what 
she  meant,  she  led  them  to  an  image  of  an 
Angel,  which  was  in  the  monastery,  and 
said,  “  behold  my  father,  and  mother,  and 
friend  and  acquaintance  !  I  assure  you  I 
leave  his  company  more  content  thau  our 
sisters  leave  the  parlour.”  We  ought  also 
often  visit  in  spirit  heretical  and  infidel 
kingdoms,  to  converse  with  the  Angels  of 
these  poor  people,  and  treat  with  them 
about  their  conversion.  One  day  we  can 
honour  the  Angels  of  one  kingdom — and 
another,  the  Angels  of  some  other.  Some¬ 
times  those  of  Canada  or  China — at  others, 
those  of  Mexico  or  Japan.  It  would  bo 
advisable  to  visit,  in  spirit,  the  Angels  of 
Christian  and  Catholic  countries  also,  who 
(as  we  before  said)  are  but  too  much  for¬ 
gotten.  Another  very  delightful  practice 
is,  to  traverse,  in  spirit,  the  Heavenly  Je¬ 
rusalem — now  saluting  the  Cherubim,  then 
the  Seraphim,  and  so  the  other  Choirs.  It 
is  also  very  laudable  to  salute  the  Angels 
our  acquaintances  when  we  meet  them. 
This  is  easier  than  some  may  imagine;  it 
is  only  necessary  to  make  a  little  compact 
with  yourself,  which  you  will  renew  at 
least  every  month,  that,  as  often  as  you 
salute  any  person,  you  will  also  salute  his 

6 


i 


82 


DEVOTION  TO 


Angel  Guardian.  On  these  occasions, 
when  you  remember  it,  say  interiorly  to 
these  holy  Angels,  that  you  salute  them. 
By  this  means,  the  recollection  of  these 
blessed  Spirits  will  be  gradually  facilitated. 
Some,  when  writing  to  friends,  salute  their 
Angel  Guardians.  I  know  it  will  be  said, 
that  these  practices  are  rare.  I  admit  that 
they  are  so — but  maintain  that  they  ought 
to  be  general.  It  is  an  extraordinary 
thing  to  see  a  real  Saint :  but  as  this  de¬ 
plorable  truth  should  not  hinder  us  from 
aspiring  to  sanctity — so,  that  want  of  de¬ 
votion  to  the  Angels,  which  is  so  general, 
cannot  warrant  us  to  refuse  them  our  love 
and  veneration. 


PRACTICE  SIXTH. 

To  make  Novenas  in  honour  of  the  holy  Angela— 
to  take  certain  days  to  honour  them — and  to  cele¬ 
brate  their  Feasts  with  particular  devotion. 

The  Catholic  Church  teaches,  that  we 
should  not  superstitiously  attach  ourselves 
to  certain  numbers;  but  there  are  some 
mysterious  ones,  consecrated  by  the  piety 
of  the  faithful,  which  she  sanctions  and 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS.  83 

authorizes — as  that  of  three ,  which  is  the 
number  of  the  holy  Trinity;  that  of  forty, 
which  is  the  number  of  days  our  Lord 
spent  in  the  wilderness;  that  of  nine, 
which  corresponds  with  the  number  of  the 
angelic  Choirs.  Any  devotion  practised 
for  nine  days  is  termed  a  •  Novena.  St. 
Teresa  was  very  partial  to  this  practice,  as 
she  herself  tells  us.  It  is  most  useful  to 
perform  such  a  one  in  honour  of  the  An¬ 
gels;  we  ourselves  have  seen  miraculous 
things  effected  by  it.  It  may  be  as  fol¬ 
lows  :  the  first  day,  honour  the  Angels  of 
the  last  Choir  by  some  prayer  —  nine 
Gloria  Patris,  for  example — and  ask  them 
for  the  grace  or  favour  you  want;  and 
thus  ascend  to  all  the  choirs  successively. 
If  your  object  be  the  graces  peculiar  to 
each  Choir,  you  can  on  the  first  day,  ask 
the  Angels  to  obtain  for  you  a  lively  faith ; 
on  the  second,  beg  of  the  Archangels  holy 
zeal;  on  the  third,  honour  the  Principali¬ 
ties,  and  beg  the  extinction  of  the  reign 
of  sin ;  on  the  fourth,  the  Powers,  for 
their  support  against  the  malicious  efforts 
of  hell ;  on  the  fifth,  the  Virtues,  that 
they  may  facilitate  the  practice  of  that,, 
perfection  to  which  all  Christians  are  by 
their  baptismal  engagement  bound  to  as- 


84 


DEVOTION  TO 


pire;  on  the  sixth,  honour  the  Dominations, 
that  you  may  know  the  divine  will ;  on  the 
seventh,  the  Thrones,  that,  by  a  perfect 
subjection  to  this  blessed  will,  you  may 
obtain  u  that  peace  which  surpasses  all 
understanding;”  on  the  eighth,  honour 
the  Cherubing  that,  taught  from  on  high, 
you  may  renounce  in  practice  the  maxims 
and  doctrine  of  the  world  ;  and,  finally,  on 
the  ninth,  honour  the  Seraphim,  for  the 
establishment  of  the  reign  of  the  love  of 
God  in  the  hearts  of  all.  This  devotion 
of  Novenas  is  also  a  useful  preparation  for 
the  feasts  .  of  our  Lord  and  his  blessed 
Mother,  as  well  as  of  the  Angels.  It  may 
consist  of  any  pious  practice,  as  of  nine 
acts  of  mortification,  nine  genuflections, 
nine  visits  to  the  Holy  Sacrament,  or  nine 
Ave  Marias,  a  devotion  which  our  Lord  re¬ 
vealed  to  St.  Mechtilde.  It  is  well  to  com¬ 
mence  by  receiving  the  Holy  Sacraments, 
that  our  souls  being  cleansed  from  sin, 
God  may  be  more  ready  to  hear  and  gran^ 
our  requests.  Thus  much  for  the  devotion 
of  the  Novena. 

Tuesday  in  each  week  (since  there  is  no 
day  or  week  in  which  we  do  not  experience 
the  protection  of  the  angels)  should  be  sa¬ 
cred  to  the  angelic  devotion — as  also  the 


i 


TI1E  HOLY  ANGELS 


85 


29th  of  September  and  the  8th  of  May, 
the  feasts  of  St.  Michael.  In  Normandy, 
they  devote  the  16th  of  October  to  honour 
the  apparition  of  this  glorious  Archangel 
on  the  Mount  of  Tornbe,  commonly  called 
Mount  St.  Michael.  The  church  built 
there  in  his  honour  is  frequented  by  crowds 
of  pilgrims  on  this  day,  and  numberless 
miracles  are  operated  by  his  intercession. 
The  18th  of  March  is  the  feast  of  St. 
Gabriel ;  the  24th  of  October,  that  of  St. 
Itaphaelj  and  the  2d  of  the  same  month 
is  consecrated  to  the  Angels  Guardians. 
All  these  days  should  be  solemn  feasts  with 
the  devotees  of  the  holy  Angels.  They 
would  do  well  to  prepare  for  them  by  some 
act  of  mortification,  (St.  Francis  fasted 
forty  days  to  prepare  for  the  feast  of  Sf. 
Michael,)  or  by  the  Novena,  and  to  cele¬ 
brate  the  feast  itself  by  approaching  the 
Sacraments,  reciting  the  Office  of  and 
Litany  and  Beads  of  these  blessed  Spirits, 
each  one  according  to  his  time  and  devo¬ 
tion. 

Behold  another  way  of  honouring  the 
Angels  :  when  about  to  celebrate  the  fes¬ 
tival  of  a  Saint,  form  the  intention  of 
honouring  his  or  her  guardian ;  thus  you 
will  keep  a  perpetual  holiday  in  honour 


/ 


86  DEVOTION  TO 

' 

of  the  Angels.  Love  to  visit  churches  and 
altars  dedicated  to  them;  you  will  thereby 
obtain,  through  their  intercession,  the 
most  precious  gifts  and  graces. 

The  Emperor  Otho  the  Third  made  a 
pilgrimage  barefooted  to  the  Church  of  St. 
Michael,  on  Mount  Gargan,  in  Home.  A 
few  years  since,  it  pleased  our  Lord  to  ex¬ 
cite  a  great  devotion  to  these  blessed  Spirits 
in  the  city  of  Rouen,  the  capital  of  Nor¬ 
mandy.  The  occurrence  was  as  follows : 
Some  persons  being  on  their  way  to  visit 
the  Church  of  our  Lady  of  Good  Succour, 
and  feeling  inspired  to  say  a  few  prayers 
at  the  Church  of  St.  Michael,  which  was 
nigh,  felt  quite  sorry  to  find  it  almost 
abandoned,  and  no  traces  left  of  that  devo¬ 
tion  which  was  formerly  exhibited  there. 
This  induced  them  to  form  at  once  the  re¬ 
solution  of  visiting  it  occasionally,  in  which 
they  were  joined  by  many  others.  In  a 
short  time,  the  number  so  increased,  that 
for  want  of  room  in  the  Church,  the  ser¬ 
mon  which  they  had  every  month  in  hon¬ 
our  of  the  Angels,  was  obliged  to  be 
preached  in  the  open)  air.  Many  were  the 
advantages  derived  to  those  who  assisted 
at  it. 


THE  HOLT:  ANGELS 


87 


PRACTICE  SEVENTH. 

To  have  a  great  Confidence  in  the  Angels ,  and  recur 
to  them  in  all  necessities. 

“They  who  trust  in  the  Lord  are  as 
mount  Sion ;  God  encompasses  them  with 
his  holy  mountains.”  These  mountains, 
spoken  of  by  the  Psalmist,  are  the  Holy 
Angels.  0  !  how  happy  is  that  soul,  whose 
humble  confidence  merits  such  protection  ! 
She  shall  not  foar  the  arrow  flying  in  the 
dark,  nor  the  noon-day  devil. 

After  all  we  have  said,  it  would  seem 
that  you  should  not  want  a  great  confidence 
in  the  Ang  »  “  Why  would  you  fear,” 

says  St.  H^nard,  “having  such  faithful, 
wise,  and  potent  friends  as  the  Angels?” 
“  May  joy  be  always  with  you,”  said  Ra¬ 
phael  to  Tobias;  “I  shall  conduct  you 
thither,  and  reconduct  you  hither.”  The 
Angels  are  incessantly  watching  over  us ; 
wherever  we  go,  we  are  surrounded  by 
these  blessed  Spirits.  Why,  then,  do  we 
fear?  While  asleep,  there  are  more  eyes 
open  to  guard  us  than  there  are  stars  in 
the  heavens;  when  awake,  and  in  the  midst 
of  danger,  there  are  more  angels  armed  in 
our  defence  than  there  are  rays  in  the  sun 


88 


DEVOTION  TO 


or  atoms  in  the  air.  But,  unhappy  crea¬ 
tures  ! — nothing  moves  us  but  what  strikes 
our  senses.  Here  I  must  confess  my  utter 
astonishment  at  the  little  confidence  of  men 
in  the  protection  of  Heaven.  0  !  the  ava¬ 
riciousness  of  the  human  heart !  said  our 
Lord  once  to  St.  Teresa.  It  seems  to  it 
that  the  whole  world  cannot  supply  its 
wants;  it  feels  nothing  but  inquietude, 
both  for  temporal  and  spiritual  thi-ngs. 
Although  there  were  no  Providence,  we 
could  not  place  more  reliance  on  human 
means.  What  a  pity  to  see  even  spiritual 
persons  counting  so  much  on  their  own  in¬ 
dustry,  and  so  much  occupied  with  what 
concerns  them.  Let  us  place  all  our  hope 
in  the  Lord,  and  all  our  confidence  in  his 
Providence.  Let  us  beg  of  him  to  open 
our  eyes  to  the  protection  of  the  Angels, 
as  he  did  those  of  the  servant  of  Elias. 
Then  seeing  that  “  there  is  more  for  us  than 
against  us/’  we  cannot  help  confiding  in 
such  powerful  patronage,  nor  fail  to  lift  our 
hands,  in  our  spiritual  and  corporeal  dan¬ 
gers,  to  those  holy  mountains  which  the  Lord 
has  set  for  our  defence,  and  appointed  for 
our  protection,  through  a  marvellous  ex¬ 
cess  of  incomprehensible  love. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


89 


i 


PRACTICE  EIGHTH. 

To  labour  for  the  Conversion  of  Sinners  and  the 

release  of  Souls  from  Purgatory — and  to  practise 

Virtue,  &c.y  in  honour  of  the  Angels. 

Wiiat  can  we  do  more  agreeable  to  the 
Angels  than  to  labour  with  them  for  the 
glory  of  our  common  Master?  It  is  his 
glory  which  causes  this  almost  infinite  num¬ 
ber  of  blessed  Spirits  to  watch  so  indefati- 
gably  over  us  poor  sinners  ;  and  what  won¬ 
der,  when  even  the  shadow  of  the  interests 
of  this  divine  being  should  be  upheld  at 
the  risk  of  the  annihilation  of  all  creatures. 
O  my  God  !  why  are  you  not  known  by  us  ! 
This  world  is  indeed  a  land  of  forgetfulness 
in  your  regard.  A  God-man  having  sacri¬ 
ficed  his  life,  in  the  midst  of  an  infinity  of 
sufferings,  for  your  divine  interest,  we 
should  either  renounce  Christianity,  or  en¬ 
deavour  to  advance  it  by  every  possible 
means.  Here  it  is  we  should  pour  out 
floods  of  tears  over  the  insensibility  and 
blindness  of  men.  Great  expenses  are  in¬ 
curred  for  decorating  and  pampering  a  body 
which  will  in  a  few  days  become  the  food 
of  worms — and  nothing,  or  less  than  no¬ 
thing,  is  done  for  the  soul !  Immense  re- 


£0 


DEVOTION  TO 


venues  are  expended  for  the  support  of 
vanity  and  ambition,  and  scarcely  will  a 
pound  be  given  to  advance  the  glory  of 
God !  The  greatest  ignorance  prevails 
among  the  peasantry — whole  villages  are 
desolated  by  the  reign  of  sin — the  establish¬ 
ment  of  schools  would  be  the  grand  remedy 
— but,  alas  !  few  or  none  care  to  contribute 
towards  it.  They  can  find  money  enough 
to  purchase  rich  plate  and  precious  furni¬ 
ture  ! — it  is  only  for  the  interest  of  God 
that  they  have  none.  0  horror  of  horrors ! 
I  plainly  see,  my  God !  the  truth  of  your 
divine  words  —  that  though  “many  are 
called,  few  are  chosen.” 

The  example  of  the  blessed  Spirits  should 
animate  us  to  do  and  suffer  all,  in  order  to 
save  our  souls  :  it  should  also  encourage  us 
to  labour  for  the  salvation  of  others.  Let 
us  act  in  concert  with  these  blessed  Spirits 
for  this  end.  Their  example  should  ani¬ 
mate  us,  though  we  meet  little  success.  St. 
Ignatius  proposed  it  as  a  stimulus  to  his 
children.  The  holy  Angels  faithfully  con¬ 
tinue  their  labours,  and  cares  for  us  during 
40,  or  60,  or  80  years,  or  whatever  be  the 
term  of  our  lives,  though  they  are  sure  the 
object  of  them  will  reap  no  fruit  or  advan¬ 
tage,  through  his  own  malice.  Hence,  con- 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS.  91 

fessors,  preachers,  and  all  who  labour  in 
any  shape  for  the  extension  of  the  reign  of 
God,  should  be  singularly  devout  to  these 
holy  Spirits.  The  charity  of  these  blessed 
Spirits  extends  beyond  the  grave.  It  is 
doing  them  a  great  favour  to  pray  for  the 
poor  souls  in  Purgatory.  Let  us  succour 
them  as  much  as  we  can,  by  the  holy  mass, 
alms,  indulgences,  &c.  They  are  truly  de¬ 
serving  of  our  compassion,  and  the  Angels 
will  not  fail,  as  being  interested  for  them, 
to  reward  our  charity  with  the  most  pre¬ 
cious  graces. 

The  practice  of  chastity  is  absolutely  ne¬ 
cessary  to  gain  the  friendship  of  the  An¬ 
gels.  Virginity  is  their  favourite  virtue, 
as  it  has  been  of  Jesus,  Mary,  Joseph,  and 
the  two  St.  Johns.  0  Virgins !  whoever 
you  may  be,  remember  you  possess  a  trea¬ 
sure  of  inestimable  price — one  which  as¬ 
similates  you  to  the  Angels.  But,  as  in 
proportion  to  its  excellence,  you  should 
have  a  more  lively  apprehension  of  its  loss, 
so  adopt  more  earnestly  the  necessary  means 
in  order  to  its  preservation.  These  are 
mortification,  guard  of  the  senses,  flight  of 
the  world,  and  true  and  sincere  humility. 
This  virtue  of  humility  is  one  which  the 
Angels  require  in  those  devoted  to  them ; 


92 


DEVOTION  TO 


they  cannot  bear  the  proud.  The  practice 
of  recollection  and  prayer  is  also  most  pleas¬ 
ing  to  them ;  they  have  been  visibly  seen 
assisting  persons  in  this  holy  exercise.  St. 
Bernard  saw  them  noting  the  manner  in 
which  his  religious  made  their  prayer. 

But  if  we  would  be  truly  devout  to  the 
Angels,  we  should  once  for  all  take  the  re¬ 
solution  of  avoiding  deliberate  faults  and 
imperfections,  of  searching  out  and  over¬ 
coming  our  predominant  passion,  the  source 
of  our  most  frequent  irregularities.  En¬ 
deavour  every  day  to  sacrifice  some  inclina¬ 
tion  of  yours  in  honour  of  the  Angels.  If 
we  remembered  that  our  Angel  witnesses 
all  our  actions,  and  that  he  abhors  sin,  it 
would  be  some  restraint  on  us,  as  even  pa¬ 
gan  philosophers,  who  believed  that  an  in¬ 
visible  guide  presided  over  their  thoughts 
and  action,  acknowledged.  “  Dispose  and 
regulate  all  your  thoughts  and  actions,” 
says  one  of  them,  quoted  by  F.  Drexelius, 
in  his  book  on  the  Angels  Guardians,  u  for 
nothing  internal  or  external  is  hidden  from 
the  invisible  witness  or  guardian  who 
watches  over  you.”  If  this  was  the  senti¬ 
ment  of  a  pagan,  what  ought  to  be  that  of 
a  Christian  ? 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


93 


PRACTICE  NINTH. 

To  endeavour  to  extend  the  devotion  to  the  Angels. 


If  the  Angels  do  all  they  can  for  the 
service  of  man,  man  is  obliged  in  justice 
and  gratitude  to  spare  no  pains  in  the  ser¬ 
vice  of  the  Angels.  We  should  neglect  no 
means  in  the  order  of  God  for  the  increase 
of  their  glory.  One  method  of  honouring 
them  seems  to  be,  to  distribute  images  and 
pictures  of  these  glorious  Spirits,  particu¬ 
larly  among  the  peasantry,  and  the  poor 
and  ignorant  of  the  city.  It  would  be  well 
to  recommend  our  friends  to  set  up  such 
pictures  in  their  chambers  or  oratories — as 
also  to  make  presents  of  them  to  some 
Chapel  or  Altar.  Constantine  the  Great 
caused  four  images  of  the  Angels  to  be 
wrought,  and  in  the  most  exquisite  man¬ 
ner.  Another  and  a  more  laudable  means 
is  to  lend  and  distribute  books  which  treat 
of  their  excellencies.  Among  others  those 
of  F.  Barri,  F.  Nouet,  Drexelius,  andCoret 
— all  of  the  Society  of  Jesus.  These  in¬ 
spire  such  devotion  to  the  Angels,  as  would, 
be  likely  to  last  during  the  rest  of  our 
lives. 


94 


DEVOTION  TO 


Preachers  could  greatly  serve  this  devo¬ 
tion,  by  instructing  their  auditors  in  it  from 
time  to  time — Seculars,  by  explaining  it 
to  their  friends — a  Master,  in  his  house — 
a  Father  or  Mother  to  their  Children — a 
person  in  the  country,  to  the  peasants — a 
teacher,  to  his  pupils — a  friend,  to  his 
friend. 

But  the  best  way  to  honour  the  Angels 
is  to  procure  the  establishment  of  some 
little  sodality  in  their  honour.  We  j^hall 
conclude  this  work  by  giving  the  plan  of 
one.*  If  adopted,  it  will  be  to  us  a  source 
of  grace,  and  will  most  certainly  secure  for 
'  us  the  protection  of  the  holy  Angels. 


PLAN  OF  AN  ASSOCIATION 

FOR  THE  CONTINUAL  VENERATION  OF  THE  HOLY 

ANGELS. 

The  numberless  benefits  derived  to  us  from  the 
holy  Angels,  and  their  ever  glorious  Queen,  demand 
continual  testimonies  of  love  and  gratitude ;  but,  as 

*  Instead  of  the  plan  of  Association  given  by  the 
Venerable  Boudon,  which  would  not  be  practicable 
in  th*is  country,  we  substitute  that  in  honour  of  the 
Queen  and  Nine  Choirs  of  Angels,  canonically  es¬ 
tablished  at  Bordeaux,  the  Octave  of  the  Nativity 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  1815. 


TIIE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


95 


the  duties  of  our  state  preclude  this  unceasing  de¬ 
votion,  it  was  proposed  to  form  an  Association  for 
this  purpose,  each  member  of  which  would  succes¬ 
sively  honour  the  Angels  in  the  name  of  the  rest — 
and  thus  a  continual  homage  would  be  rendered  to 
these  blessed  Spirits. 

This  Association  was  at  first  formed  of  a  few 
pious  persons;  but  his  Eminence,  Cardinal  de  Soma- 
glia,  to  whom  the  plan  was  submitted,  judging  it 
would  be  to  the  faithful  a  new  means  of  sanctity, 
begged  it  might  be  publicly  proposed,  with  a  pro¬ 
mise  (subsequently  fulfilled)  of  procuring  from 
the  Sovereign  Pontiff  indulgences  in  favour  of 
the  Associates.  From  the  diocess  of  Metz,  where 
it  had  its  origin,  it  spread  and  was  canonically 
established  at  Nancy,  Amiens,  Grenoble,  La  Ro¬ 
chelle,  <fcc.,  but  in  no  city  was  it  more  generally 
adopted  than  at  Bordeaux — for,  in  less  than  two 
months,  more  than  six  thousand  billets  of  associa¬ 
tion  wcro  distributed.  The  Duchess  of  Angoulemo 
even  patronized  it.  It  was  since  established  in 
America — zealous  Missionaries  disposed  the  inhabi¬ 
tants  of  the  new  world  to  embrace  it.  The  plan  is 
based  on  the  days  of  the  month.  Nine  persons,  to 
correspond  with  the  number  of  Choirs,  having  as¬ 
sociated  to  honour  perpetually  the  Angels  and  their 
Queen,  nine  cards,  or  billets,  are  prepared,  on  one 
side  of  which  is  to  be  written  the  names  of  the  nine 
choirs  in  succession,  and  on  the  other  the  date  of 
establishment,  and  number  1  or  2,  or  3,  <fcc.  Each 
person  then  draws  one.  He  who  draws  number  one 
will,  on  the  1st,  11th,  and  21st  of  tho  month,  say,  in 
the  name  of  the  rest,  the  Little  Office  of  the  Angels, 
in  honour  of  the  First  Choir — No.  2  will  recite  the 
same  on  the  2d,  12th  and  22d  of  the  month,  in 
honour  of  the  Second  Choir,  tho  Archangels — No.  3 
will  do  the  same  on  the  3d,  13th,  and  23d,  in  ho¬ 
nour  of  the  Third  Choir,  tho  Principalities — No  4 


96 


DEVOTION  TO 


on  the  4th  14th,  and  25th,  will  honour  the  Powers— 
No.  5  on  the  5th,  15th,  and  25th,  the  Fifth  Choir, 
the  Virtues — No.  6,  on  the  6th,  16th,  and  26th,  the 
Dominations — No.  7,  on  the  7th,  17th,  and  27th, 
will  honour  the  Thrones — No.  8,  on  the  8th,  18th, 
and  28th,  will  honour  the  Cherubim — and  finally, 
No.  9,  on  the  9th,  19th,  and  29th,  will  in  the  sama 
manner  testify  their  devotion  to  the  Ninth  Choir, 
the  Seraphim.  Of  the  whole  month,  there  will  then 
remain  unoccupied  but  three  days — the  10th,  20th, 
and  30th,  and  these  are  to  be  sacred  to  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  as  the  Queen  of  Angels.  All  the  members 
will  then,  on  each  of  these  days,  recite  the  Office  of 
her  Immaculate  Conception,  in  union  with  that 
Choir  whom  he  or  she  is  honouring  for  the  month.® 
If  the  month  has  thirty-one  days,  the  last  day 
is  dedicated  to  St.  Michael,  St.  Gabriel,  and  St. 
Raphael,  by  reciting  the  Litany  of  the  Angels  in 
their  honour. 

To  afford  each  member  an  opportunity  of  honour¬ 
ing  all  the  Angels  in  succession.  No.  1  will,  dur¬ 
ing  the  2d  month,  take  the  2d  choir,  next  month  the 
3d  choir,  after  that  the  4th  choir,  and  so  on.  No.  2 
will,  in  like  manner,  during  the  2d  month  honour  the 
3d  choir,  after  that  month  the  4th  choir,  and  so  with 
the  others. 

Such  as  cannot  read  will  say  Nine  Paters  and 
Aves  in  lieu  of  the  Office. 

If  an  Associate  forget  to  perform  the  devotion  on 
the  days  indicated  by  the  card,  which  never  change, 
he  will  repair  the  omission  as  soon  as  possible,  that 
no  interruption  be  given  to  that  tribute  of  perpetual 
praise  which  it  is  the  object  of  the  Association  to 
pay  the  holy  Angels.  When  an  Associate  dies,  the 
surviving  members  will  provide  another,  to  whom 
they  will  transfer  the  card  of  such  Associate,  that 


*  For  this  office,  see  page  157. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


97 


Nine,  the  number  of  the  Association,  may  be  still 
complete. 

It  is  hoped  that  many  may  thus  unite  to  honour 
the  Angels.  It  would  bo  a  certain  means  of  obtain¬ 
ing  their  protection  in  life,  and  at  the  hour  of 
death. 

Principal  Feasts  of  the  Angelical  Association,  and 
Pays  of  Indulgence  where  it  is  canonically  estab- 
l  is  hcd* 

The  Immediate  Conception  of  the  B.  V.  M.  8th  Dec. 
St.  Michael  and  all  the  Angels  -  -  29th  Sept. 

St.  Gabriel  -  18th  March. 

St.  Raphael  -  24th  Oct. 

Apparition  of  Saint  Michael  -  8th  May. 


THE  MONTH  OF  OCTOBER, 

DEDICATED  TO  THE  HOLY  ANGELS, 

BY  A  SERIES  OP  PIOUS  PRACTICES. 

Some  persons,  devout  to  t'he  holy  Angels, 
not  satisfied  with  entering  into  the  forego¬ 
ing  Association,  wished  to  dedicate  to  these 
holy  Spirits  a  whole  month — that  of  Octo¬ 
ber.  They,  during  that  period,  perform 
the  following  practices — the  foregoing  ones, 
of  the  Association,  being  laid  aside.  It 
commences  the  evening  of  St.  Michael’s 
Day,  by  the  following  otfering : — 

0  all  ye  holy  Angels  !  who  contemplate 
without  ceasing  the  increated  beauty  of  the 

7 


98 


DEVOTION  TO 


Divinity,  in  company  with  your  ever 
glorious  Queen — I,  your  unworthy  servant, 
present  and  offer  to  you  all  the  practices 
of  this  month  of  October,  consecrated  to 
your  glory,  not  only  as  a  means  of  obtain¬ 
ing  (here  specify  your  request ,)  but  also  as 
a  reparation  for  my  past  ingratitude,  and 
that  of  all  men.  Deign  to  accept  it,  0 
amiable  Spirits !  in  union  with  the  love 
and  devotion  of  such  Saints  as  were 
specially  devout  to  you — and  obtain  for  me 
to  spend  this  time  so  fervently,  that  it  may 
be  the  commencement  of  that  angelical 
life  which  I  hope  to  live  for  ever  with  you 
in  Heaven.  Amen. 

A  Memorare  to  the  Angela. 

Demember,  0  holy  Angels!  that  Jesus, 
the  eternal  Truth,  assures  us  that  you 
“  rejoice  more  at  the  conversion  of  one  sin¬ 
ner,  than  at  the  perseverance  of  many 
just.”  Encouraged  thereby,  I,  the  last  of 
creatures,  humbly  entreat  you  to  receive 
me  as  your  servant,  and  make  me  unto 
you  a  cause  of  true  joy.  Do  not,  0 
blessed  Spirits!  reject  my  petition;  but 
graciously  hear  and  grant  it.  Amen. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


99 


OCTOBER  FIRST. 

The  Creation  of  the  Angels. 

Anticipate  all  time — penetrate  the 
eternal  years — and  contemplate  in  wonder 
and  amazement  that  eventful  moment  in 
which  the  Deity,  coming  forth  from  that 
inaccessible  light  in  which  he  dwelt,  gave 
command  to  nothing,  and  created  the 
Angels.  Admirable  Spirits  !  their  perfec¬ 
tions  are  like  a  profound  sea,  which  cannot 
be  fathomed.  Beings  incomprehensible — 
they  announce  in  their  celestial  endow¬ 
ments  the  omnipotence,  love,  and  wisdom 
of  their  Almighty  Maker.  They  are  in¬ 
corruptible  in  their  nature — illumined  with 
the  most  brilliant  irradiations — endowed 
with  wonderful  science — clothed  with  di¬ 
vine  purity — consumed  with  celestial  love. 
Their  power  is  amazing — their  charms  so 
ravishing,  that  St.  Bridget  says,  the  ap¬ 
pearance  of  one  alone  of  them  to  mortal 
man  would  occasion  immediate  death. 
Their  sanctity  exceeds  that  of  all  the 
Saints,  since  they  have  been  replenished 
with  the  divine  unction,  and  have  never 
contracted  actual  stain.  Their  charity  is 
exceeding  great,  since  they  have  received 


100 


DEVOTION  TO 


more  of  that  sacred  fire,  which, According 
to  St.  John,  is  the  essence  of  the  Godhead, 
than  all  other  creatures.  This  is  saying 
much ;  and  yet  it  conveys  but  a  faint  idea 
of  the  perfection  of  these  celestial  Spirits. 
Let  us,  while  we  confess  their  greatness, 
bless  the  hand  of  Him  who  made  them, 
and  commence  this  holy  month  as  they  be¬ 
gan  their  angelic  course,  saying, 

Practice — The  Te  Deum.  [For  this  and 
the  other  prayers  appointed  as  practices, 
see  Appendix,  page  M7.] 

Aspiration  for  the  Day. — Holy,  Holy, 
Holy,  Lord  God  of  Sabbaoth  !  the  Hea¬ 
vens  and  the  Earth  are  full  of  thy  glory  I 
Glory  be  to  the  Father  ! — Glory  be  to  the 
Son  ! — Glory  be  to  the  Holy  Ghost ! 

Lecture — 1st  Motive,  1st  part  of  Bou- 
don’s  Holy  Angels,  the  preceding  work, 
whence  all  the  lectures  are  taken. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


101 


OCTOBER  SECOND,  OR  ROSARY  SUNDAY.* 

The  Angela  as  Servants  and  Subjects  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary. 

Scarcely  was  it  announced  to  the  hea¬ 
venly  Spirits,  that  a  Queen  was  “  born  to 
them,”  than  they  descend  in  myriads,  and 
hover  round  her  cradle  with  wonder  and 
delight.  They  guard  her  infant  steps; 
they  convey  her  to  the  temple ;  they  un¬ 
ceasingly  continue  their  celestial  cares, 
until,  by  means  of  the  Incarnation,  she 
becomes  the  temple  of  the  Word,  when 
their  visits  are  so  frequent,  that  her  little 
cottage  becomes  a  species  of  Paradise.  At 
Bethlehem,  in  Egypt,  and  at  the  Holy  Se¬ 
pulchre,  they  continue  to  wait  on  their 
blessed  Queen,  until  expiring  under  the 
wounds  of  holy  love,  they  conduct  her 
with  celestial  song  through  realms  of  light, 
and  presenting  her  to  the  Lamb,  cast  their 
crowns  before  her  throne,  vowing  her  eter¬ 
nal  love,  obedience  and  fidelity.  If  we 
love  our  blessed  Mother,  we  cannot  refuse 


*  If  Rosary  Sunday  be  later  than  the  Second 
Day  of  October,  leave  this  for  that  Feast,  and  pass 
to  the  next. 


102 


DEVOTION  TO 


to  honour  those  by  whom  she  is  so  much 
honoured. 

Practice. — In  honour  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  and  the  Angels,  say  three  times  the 
Anthem  Ave  Regina  Ccdorum ,  <Scc.  See 
Appendix,  page  139 .  ^  t 

Aspiration — 0  Mary  !  Mistress  of  the 
Angels  and  Queen  of  the  holy  Bosary,  in¬ 
tercede  for  us ! 

Lecture — 11th  Motive,  1st  part  of  the 
preceding  work. 


OCTOBER  THIRD. 

Sacred  to  the  Angels  of  the  First  Choir . 

Though  all  the  blessed  Spirits  are  com¬ 
monly  styled  Angels,  it  is  to  those  of  the 
First  Choir  that  the  appellation  strictly 
belongs.  These  are  they  who  are  charged 
with  the  execution  of  the  divine  ordinances, 
and  who  are  appointed  the  guardians  of 
men.  Humility  is  the  virtue  particularly 
ascribed  to  them — for,  though  the  last  in 
order  among  the  Choirs,  they  see  without 
desiring  them  the  greater  and  more  excel¬ 
lent  endowments  of  their  celestial  com¬ 
panions.  Let  us,  like  them,  love  to  occupy 
the  lowest  place,  especially  when  placed 


TIIE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


103 


therein  by  Divine  Providence,  and  to  be¬ 
hold  with  joy  the  preference  given  to 
others. 

Practice — Three  Acts  of  Humility,  in¬ 
terior,  or  exterior. 

Asp. — “  Who  is  like  God  V’ 

Lecture — 1th  Motive,  1st  part  of  the 
preceding  work. 


OCTOBER  FOURTH. 

To  the  Archangels — Second  Choir. 

The  Archangels  are  distinguished  from 
the  Angels  by  the  greater  importance  of 
their  functions.  They-  are  supposed  to  be 
the  guardians  of  the  Pope,  of  the  Bishops, 
and  of  all  invested  with  authority,  in 
Church  and  State — and  are  remarkable  for 
love  and  care  of  men.  Let  us  imitate 
them,  doing  our  neighbour  all  the  good  we 
can,  and  invoking  in  his  behalf  these  blessed 
Spirits. 

Practice — Two  Acts  of  Charity,  with 
great  affection. 

Asp. — Holy  Archangels  !  pray  for  us. 

Lecture — 2d  Motive,  1st  part  of  pre¬ 
ceding  work.  * 


104 


DEVOTION  TO 


OCTOBER  FIFTH 

To  the  Principalities. 

The  Principalities,  who  form  the  Third 
Choir,  are  charged  to  watch  over  empires, 
provinces,  diocesses,  religious  communities, 
&c.,  and  avert  from  them  the  effects  of  the 
divine  wrath.  They  are  also  appointed  to 
transmit  to  the  Angels  of  the  last  two 
Choirs  the  orders  of  the  Most  High. 
Purity  of  intention  is  the  virtue  ascribed 
to  them,  for  in  their  high  functions  they 
never  seek  but  the  honour  and  interest  of 
Cod  alone.  Let  us  imitate  them.  It  is 
the  intention  which  stamps  the  action  with 
merit  or  demerit. 

Practice — In  all  you  do  and  say,  seek 
the  greater  glory  of  God.  Refer  all  to 
this  end. 

Asp. — 0  holy  Spirits !  may  we,  like 
you,  seek  God,  for  God  alone. 

Lecture — 12th  Motive,  1st  part  of  pre¬ 
ceding  work. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


105 


OCTOBER  SIXTH. 

To  the  Powers — the  Fourth  Choir. 

TnE  Angels  of  this  Choir  have  received 
from  God  unlimited  sway  over  the  wicked 
Spirits ;  they  are  endowed  with  great  in¬ 
telligence,  so  as  to  be  able  to  discover  their 
schemes  and  plans  for  our  destruction. 
Their  power  is  so  amazing,  that  one  only 
of  them  would  be  able  to  destroy  all  the 
infernal  host.  It  is  well  to  invoke  them 
in  temptation  :  but  to  merit  their  assist¬ 
ance,  we  must  take  care  to  avoid  the  occa¬ 
sions  of  sin. 

Practice — Resist  the  attacks  of  vice  and 
passion  j  frequently  make  acts  of  diffidence 
in  self  and  confidence  in  God ;  combat 
your  evil  inclinations. 

Asp. — Lord  !  send  thy  Angels  to  assist 
us. 

Lecture — Half  8th  Motive,  1st  part  of 
Boudon,  (preceding.) 


OCTOBER  SEVENTH. 

To  the  Virtues — the  Fifth  Choir. 

Energy  and  strength  are  attributed  to 

I 


106 


DEVOTION  TO 


the  Virtues.  They  have  dominion  over 
the  elements :  all  nature  is  subjected  to  their 
control.  Hence  they  can  raise  or  appease 
storms  and  tempests,  emit  vivid  lightning, 
form  burning  thunder.  We  may  profita¬ 
bly  invoke  them  in  unforeseen  accidents, 
sickness,  &c.  We  may  also  recur  to  them 
for  that  strength  necessary  to  lead  a  peni¬ 
tential  life,  and  root  out  the  inclinations  of 
depraved  nature. 

Practice — Visit  the  Holy  Sacrament  to 
obtain  grace  to  overcome  your  evil  inclina¬ 
tions,  &c. 

Asp. — Holy  Virtues  !  strengthen  and 
fortify  us. 

Lecture — Finish  the  reading  of  8th 
Motive,  referred  to  yesterday. 


OCTOBER  EIGHTH. 

The  Dominations — the  Sixth  Choir. 

Zeal  for  the  divine  glory  distinguishes 
the  Dominations.  They  are  devoured .  by 
their  concern  for  the  interests  of  God — 
their  principal  office  is  to  manifest  his 
will.  We,  too,  ought  to  be  interested  for 
all  that  involves  the  honour  of  this  ever- 
adorable  Being,  as  the  conversion  of  sin- 


THE  nOLY  ANGELS. 


107 


ners,  the  perfection  of  the  just,  the  decora¬ 
tion  of  altars.  We  should  also  beg  of  God 
to  manifest  his  will  to  us  bj  these  blessed 
Intelligences — and  then  take  care  to  fulfil 
it  scrupulously,  as  being  the  shortest  way 
to  perfection  and  sanctity. 

Practice — Give  practical  proof  of  your 
zeal  for  the  glory  of  God ;  do  something 
for  his  reign  in  souls,  as  instructing  the 
ignorant,  &c. 

Asp. — Holy  Dominations  !  animate  us 
with  your  zeal. 

Lecture — Half  7th  Motive,  1st  part  of 
Boudon,  (preceding.) 


OCTOBER  NINTH. 

The  Thrones — the  Seventh  Choir. 

The  Scripture  says  of  the  Lord,  that 
He  is  seated  on  Thrones.  Hence,  then, 
blessed  Spirits  are  called  Angels  of  Peace 
— beings  calm,  tranquil,  immovable.  Ad¬ 
dress  yourselves  to  them  for  that  peace  of 
soul  which  Is  the  fruit  of  a  good  conscience. 
Invoke  them  for  such  as  are  prone  to 
hatred,  passion,  and  impatience ;  and,  after 
their  example,  be  you  yourself  meek,  calm, 
peaceful  with  all. 


108 


DEVOTION  TO 


Practice — In  the  morning,  dispose  your¬ 
self  to  great  sweetness  and  patience — and 
every  hour  make  an  act  thereof. 

Asp. — 0  Holy  Thrones !  obtain  that 
“  that  divine  peace,  which  surpasses  all 
understanding,  may  keep  our  hearts  and 
minds  in  Christ  Jesus,  our  Lord.” 

Lecture — Conclude  7th  Motive  in  pre¬ 
ceding  work,  commenced  yesterday. 


OCTOBER  TENTH. 

The  Cherubim — the  Eighth  Choir. 

These  blessed  Spirits  are  so  many  sa^ 
cred  flambeaux,  communicating  the  divine 
light  to  the  other  Choirs.  They  are  em¬ 
ployed  continually  in  contemplating  the 
beauty  and  other  perfections  of  their  great 
Creator,  and  will  share  with  us  their  ad¬ 
mirable  lights,  if  we  but  ask  them,  and 
show  ourselves  in  earnest,  by  the  practice 
of  recollection  and  prayer,  the  channel  of 
the  divine  communications. 

Practice — Spend  this  day  in  great  silence 
and  recollection ;  be  occupied  with  the 
consideration  of  the  Divine  perfections  j 
endeavour  to  “  know  G-od,  and  him  whom 
he  has  sent,  Jesus  Christ.” 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS.  109 


Asp. — Ah  !  blessed  Cherubim  !  teach  us 
to  pray. 

Read  3d  Practice,  2d  part  of  Boudon, 
(preceding  work.) 


OCTOBER  ELEVENTH. 

The  Seraphim — the  Ninth  Choir. 

The  Seraphim  hold  the  first  place 
among  the  Celestial  Hierarchies.  Their 
characteristic  is  great  and  ardent  love.  In¬ 
toxicated  with  that  torrent  of  delights 
u  which  runs  with  a  strong  stream  from 
the  throne  of  the  Divinity,  these  blessed 
Spirits  are  always  ecstasied — always  in  a 
species  of  rapture.  We  should  often  form 
acts  of  divine  love,  and  beg  of  Jesus,  the 
King  of  love,  through  Mary,  the  mother 
of  holy  love,  and  the  blessed  Seraphim, 
the  Spirits  of  love,  never  to  let  the  sacred 
fire  be  extinguished  in  our  souls. 

Practice — Try  to  become  a  Seraph  in 
love;  let  this  be  your  habitual  disposition. 
“  Love,  and  do  what  you  will.”  Ask  this 
great  gift  fervently. 

Asp. — Ah  !  blessed  Seraphim !  make  us 
love. 


110 


DEVOTION  TO 


Lecture — 7th  Practice,  2d  part  of  the 
preceding  work  of  Boudon. 


OCTOBER  TWELFTH. 

The  Angela  of  the  Ancient  People  of  God. 

Let  us  this  day  venerate  the  Angels 
who  guarded  the  ancient  people  of  God. 
Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  Moses,  were  often 
favoured  with  their  visits.  It  was  one  of 
these  blessed  Spirits  who  gave  the  law  on 
Mount  Sinai,  and  conducted  the  Israelites 
through  the  desert,  in  the  pillar  of  a 'cloud. 
The  Saints  of  those  times  were  so  con¬ 
vinced  of  their  continual  protection,  that 
even  when  they  gave  no  sensible  proof  of 
their  presence,  they  attributed  to  them  the 
success  of  their  affairs.  “  It  is  the  Angel 
of  the  Lord/'  said  they,  “  who  hath  done 
this.” 

Practice — The  “  Benedicite  ,”  in  thanks¬ 
giving  for  this  protection  of  the  Angels. 
See  Appendix,  page  139. 

Asp. — Holy  Angels  !  “  leaders  of  the 
house  of  Israel,”  intercede  for  us. 

Lecture — Divide  the  exhortation  before 
the  preceding  work  between  this  day  and 
the  two  following.  See  page  8. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


Ill 


OCTOBER  THIRTEENTH. 


The  Anejela  who  adored  Jesus  at  the  moment  of  his 
Incarnation  and  Nativity. 


Let  us  this  day  venerate  the  Angels 
who  adored  Jesus  at  the  moment  of  his  In¬ 
carnation,  and  when  he  appeared  in  the 
flesh.  No  sooner  did  he  assume  our  nature, 
at  Mary’s  Jiat,  than  her  chamber  is  filled 
with  troops  innumerable  of  these  blessed 
Spirits,  all  vying  with  each  other  in  ador¬ 
ing  the  Son,  and  in  greeting  the  Mother; 
and  on  that  ever  blessed  night,  when  he 
appeared  wrapped  in  swaddling  clothes, 
and  laid  in  a  manger,  they  again  de¬ 
scend  and  rend  the  air  with  “  Glory  be  to 
God  on  high,  and  peace  on  earth  to  men 
of  good  will  \” 

Practice — In  honour  of  these  Angels 
the  “  Gloria  in  excelsis,”  and  hymn  a  Alma 
Redemptoris.”  Se6  Appendix,  page  141, 
142. 

Asp. — Glory  be  to  God — honour  to  the 
Angels,  and  peace  to  men  of  good  will ! 

Lecture — A  portion  of  same  exhortation. 


112 


DEVOTION  TO 


/ 

OCTOBER  FOURTEENTH. 

Let  us  this  day  venerate  the  Angels  who  ministered 
to  Jesus  Christ  after  his  fast  in  the  desert. 


The  time  being  come  in  which  the  Sa¬ 
viour  of  men  was  to  manifest  himself  to 
Israel — having  prepared  for  his  mission  by 
“  a  fast  of  forty  days  and  forty  nights,  he 
was,”  says  the  Evangelist,  “  afterwards 
hungry,  and  Angels  came  and  ministered 
to  him.”  Happy — thrice  happy  Spirits ! 
whom  the  Lord  of  Heaven  and  Earth — 
“  he  who  gives  food  to  the  raven,  when  her 
young  ones  cry  for  meat — who  opens  his 
hand,  and  fills  every  living  creature,”  per¬ 
mitted  to  minister  to  him  in  his  necessities. 
It  rests  with  us  to  be  sharers  in  their  hap¬ 
piness,  for  Jesus  is  still  upon  earth,  in  the 
persons  of  his  poor — and  what  we  do  for 
them,  he  considers  as  done  for  himself. 

Practice — Give  some  alms  in  the  spirit 
of  these  Angels  ministering  to  our  Lord. 

Asp. — Holy  Angels,  ministering  spirits 
to  Jesus  Christ,  intercede  for  us. 

Lecture — Conclude  the  exhortation  di¬ 
rected  yesterday,  and  the  day  before. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


113 


OCTOBER  FIFTEENTH. 


Let  us  devote  thin  day  to  the  veneration  of  the  Angels 
toho  appeared  at  the  Sepulchre  of  Jesus. 


We  may  piously  imagine,  that  after  the 
body  of  our  crucified  King  was  laid  in  the 
tomb,  the  holy  Angels  stood  and  guarded 
the  sacred  deposit,  quite  motionless  at  this 
his  prodigious  annihilation,  until  u  the 
morning  of  the  Sabbath,  when  the  Maries, 
on  coming  to  the  door  of  the  monument, 
found  the  stone  rolled  away,  and  an  Angel 
sitting  thereon,  whose  countenance  was  as 
lightning,  and  his  garments  like  snow.” 
This  conduct  of  the  Angels  should  make 
us  like  the  great  saint  of  this  day,  St. 
Teresa,  most  assiduous  in  visiting  Jesus  in 

7  O 

his  holy  Sacrament,  the  tomb  of  his  love. 
He  is  there  night  and  day,  suffering  with 
infinite  patience  the  irreverences  of  some, 
and  the  total  forgetfulness  of  almost  all. 

Practice — A  visit  to  the  Holy  Sacra¬ 
ment,  to  beg  a  great  devotion  towards  it, 
and  the  Angels. 


Asp. — Ah  !  blessed  Angels  !  teach  us  to 
honour  Jesus  in  the  Sacrament  of  his  love. 

Lecture — 1st  Practice,  2d  part  of  Bou- 
don. 


8 


114 


DEVOTION  TO 


OCTOBER  SIXTEENTH. 

Let  us  this  day  honour  the  Angels  who  appeared  at 
the  Ascension  of  Jesus  Chr  ist. 


The  time  being  come  in  which  Jesus 
was  to  pass  out  of  the  world,  and  ascend 
to  his  Father,  he  led  his  disciples  to  Olivet, 
and  having  given  them  his  last  instruc¬ 
tions,  he  was  taken  up  into  heaven,  and  a 
cloud  took  him  out  of  their  sight.  And 
as  they  continued  to  look  after  him,  two 
men  stood  by  them  clothed  in  white,  who 
said.  u  You  men  of  Galilee,  why  stand 
you  looking  up  to  heaven  ?  This  Jesus, 
whom  you  have  seen  ascend  there,  will  one 
day  return.”  It  is  not  by  a  devotion 
merely  speculative,  as  those  Angels  insin¬ 
uated,  we  are  to  prepare  for  this  coming. 
We  must  pray,  act,  suffer,  lest  we  be  found 
with  our  hands  empty  when  the  Lord  will 
descend  to  judge  us. 

Practice — Examine  for  five  minutes  if 
your  devotion  be  in  accordance  with  the 
Spirit  of  God — whether  it  show  itself  by 
the  subjection  of  the  passions,  &c.,  or  in 
mere  external  forms  only. 

Asp. — 0  !  blessed  Spirits  !  render  us 
adorers  in  spirit  and  truth. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


116 


Lecture — 10th  Motive,  1st  part  of  Bou- 
don. 


OCTOBER  SEVENTEENTH. 

This  day  is  dedicated  to  our  good  Angel. 

Blessed  for  ever  be  that  infinite  good¬ 
ness,  which,  not  content  with  all  that  it  has 
done  for  us,  has  deputed  an  Angel  for  our 
guide — and  wo  be  to  us  if  insensible  to  the 
favour.  It  is  indeed  true  that  “God  has 
given  his  Angels  charge  of  us  that  they 
are  always  at  our  side )  that  they  “  bear  us 
up  in  their  hands/’  and  lose  not  sight  of 
us  day  or  night.  Let  us  be  grateful  to 
these  blessed  Guardians,  and,  as  St.  Ber¬ 
nard  recommends,  demonstrate  respect  for 
their  presence,  affection  for  their  services, 
confidence  in  their  guardianship.  Let  each 
of  us  often  say  to  his  Guardian  Angel,  with 
sincere  regret  for  past  indevotion — too  late 
have  I  loved  you,  0,  good  Angel ! 

Practice — The  Litany  of  the  Angel  Guar¬ 
dian.  See  Appendix,  page  150,  and  Prayer. 

Asp. — 0  Blessed  Angel !  I  love  you, 
and  I  wish  to  love  you  more. 

Lecture — Half  5th  Motive,  1st  part  of 
Boudon,  or  see  Butler  on  the  Angel  Guar¬ 
dian,  2d  October. 


116 


DEVOTION  TO 


OCTOBER  EIGHTEENTH. 

The  Angel  of  our  Patron  Saint. 

Let  us  this  day  honour  the  Angel  Guar¬ 
dian  of  our  Patron,  as  this  blessed  Intelli¬ 
gence  has  done  so  much  for  his  or  her  sanc¬ 
tification.  It  is  gratifying  to  them  that  we 
may  pay  them  our  respects ;  they  will  not 
fail  to  acknowledge  it. 

Practice — Visit  the  Angel  of  your  Pa¬ 
tron,  to  thank  him,  and  beg  his  interces¬ 
sion. 

Asp. — Holy  Angel  of  my  Patron;  I 
venerate  you. 

Lecture — Finish  yesterday’s  Motive  in 
preceding  work. 


OCTOBER  NINETEENTH. 

The  Angels  of  our  Family  and  Relations. 

Honour  the  Angels  of  your  family  and 
relations;  they  often  render  services  which 
yon  would  not  receive  from  your  own  An¬ 
gels,  perhaps  because  of  some  advantage 
which  is  derived  from  some  good  which 
you  do  for  those  of  whom  they  have  charge. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


117 


Practice — A  communion  in  honour  of 
these  Angels. 

Asp. — Holy  Angels  !  I  revere  you. 
Lecture — Half  5th  Practice,  2d  part  of 
the  preceding  work. 


OCTOBER  TWENTIETH. 

j 

The  Angels  of  our  Friends  and  Benefactors. 

Pay  particular  respect  to  those  holy  Spi¬ 
rits  who  are  entrusted  with  the  guardian¬ 
ship  of  your  friends  and  benefactors,  know¬ 
ing  that  the  services  which  they  render  to 
you  are  often  prompted  by  these  blessed 
Angels.  Your  Confessor  being  your  best 
friend,  his  Angel  deserves  special  devotion 
and  affection. 

Practice — Pay  a  visit  to  these  Angels  : 
read  3d  Motive,  1st  part  of  the  preceding 
work. 

Asp. — Lord  !  charge  thy  Angels  to  keep 
us  in  all  our  ways  1 


118 


DEVOTION  TO 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-FIRST. 

The  Angels  of  our  City  and  Kingdom . 

That  God  has  appointed  certain  Angels, 
to  watch  over  and  defend  kingdoms  and 
provinces,  we  are  assured  of  in  the  Book  of 
Genesis.  Towns  and  cities  too  have  their 
respective  Angels.  We  ouglvt  often  and 
earnestly  recommend  these  places  to  their 
guardian  care,  and  beg,  while  we  thank 
them  for  past  protection,  so  that  they  would 
arrest  by  their  prayers  the  torrent  of  vice 
and  immorality,  which  so  loudly  demands 
vengeance. 

Practice — Say  the  Office  of  the  Angels 
as  in  Appendix,  page  I&l./J- 

Asp. — In  sight  of  thy  Angels,  0  Lord ! 
will  I  sanctify  thy  name. 

Lecture — Bead  6th  Practice,  2d  part  of 
preceding  work. 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-SECOND. 

The  Angels  of  our  Parish. 

Invoke  the  Angels  of  your  parish,  that 
they  may  avert  from  it  the  wrath  of  the 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS  119 

I  I 

Most  High,  excited  by  the  continual  of¬ 
fences  committed  against  him.  Father  le 
Fevre,  first  companion  of  St.  Ignatius,  used 
to  invoke  the  Angels  of  the  different  places 
in  which  he  preached,  that  they  might  dis¬ 
pose  the  people  to  profit  by  his  sermons, 
&c.,  &c. 

Practice — Say  the  Litany  of  the  Angels, 
for  the  reign  of  God  in  ydur  parish.  See 
Appendix,  page  147 .  7 

Asp. — 0  Holy  Angels  !  preserve  us  from 
all  evil,  especially  that  of  sin. 

Lecture — Finish  5th  Practice,  2d  part 
of  the  preceding  work. 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-THIRD. 
The  Angels  of  Heretics  and  Infidels. 


Spend  this  day  in  making  reparation  to 
the  Angels  for  the  ill  return  made  for  all 
their  cares  by  Heretics  and  Infidels.  The 
former  blaspheme  against  them,  whilst  the 
latter  are  in  total  ignorance  or  disbelief  of 
them. 

Practice — Interiorly  salute  the  Angels 
of  all  whom  you  meet. 


120 


DEVOTION  TO 


Asp.— May  every  creature  praise  the 
Angels ! 

Lecture — 4th  Motive,  1st  part  of  Bour¬ 
don. 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-FOURTH. 

% 

St.  Raphael. 

The  name  of  this  blessed  Angel  whom 
we  have  particular  reason  to  honour  to-day, 
as  being  appointed  by  the  Church  for  his 
festival,  signifies  cure  of  God.  He  is,  ac¬ 
cording  to  his  own  testimony  to  Tobias, 
one  of  the  seven  Spirits  who  stand  before 
the  Throne  of  God.  From  having  so  safely 
conducted  that  good  man  in  his  journey  to 
Bages,  and  the  many  helps  afforded  by  him 
during  his  stay  in  that  city,  he  should  be 
invoked  by  travellers  and  voyagers,  per¬ 
sons  about  to  contract  the  sacred  matrimo¬ 
nial  engagement,  as  well  as  those  engaged 
in  trade  and  commerce.  Indeed  all  should 
beg  his  assistance,  all  being  strangers  and 
pilgrims  upon  earth,  and  standing  in  greater 
or  lesser  need  of  it. 

Practice — Consult  St.  Raphael  on  all 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


121 


your  affairs,  and  say  the  90th  Psalm.  See 
Appendix,  page  143. 

Asp. — 0  Angel  of  God,  illumine,  defend 
and  preserve  me  this  day,  and  for  ever. 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-FIFTH. 

St.  Gabriel. 

This  blessed  Spirit  was  the  ambassador 
of  the  Most  High  when  about  to  operate 
the  greatest  of  all  his  mysteries,  the  Incar¬ 
nation  of  his  Son ;  and  he  it  was  that  re¬ 
vealed  it  to  Daniel  many  ages  before. 
He  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  tutelary 
of  the  holy  family — the  Angel  who  in¬ 
vited  the  shepherds  to  the  manger — who 
warned  St.  Joseph  to  flee  into  Egypt — and, 
in  fine,  he  who  consoled  Jesus  in  his  agony. 
His  name,  Gabriel,  signifies  “  power  of 
God.”  His  peculiar  grace  is  to  imprint  in 
hearts  the  knowledge  and  love  of  Jesus  and 
Mary.  Let  us  be  devout  to  him,  and  he 
will  render  us  this  service  so  desirable. 

Practice — Say  in  honour  of  this  blessed 
Angel  seven  times  in  his  own  words  to  the 
Blessed  Virgin — Hail  Mary  !  &c. 

Asp. — 0  u  Angel  .of  the  Lord!”  extend 
in  all  hearts  the  empire  of  Jesus  and  Mary. 


122 


DEVOTION  TO 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-SIXTH. 

St.  3fichciel. 

"When  Lucifer  raised  his  rebellious  head, 
and  sought  to  be  like  to  the  Most  High, 
Michael,  the  prince  of  the  Seraphim,  and 
the  first  of  “  the  Seven  Spirits  who  stand 
before  the  Throne,”  opposed  his  haughty 
pretensions  and  overthrew  him  in  the  con 
test.  Saint  Thomas  supposes  this  blessed 
Spirit  to  be  the  breath  of  the  Saviour, 
which  will  destroy  Antichrist.  He  is  the 
patron  of  the  Church — the  protector  of  the 
dying — he,  in  fine,  who  on  the  lafet  day 
will  seize  the  trumpet,  and  with  a  Surgite 
Mortui,  “  Arise,  ye  dead  !”  will  arraign 
all  men  before  the  J udge  of  the  Living  and 
the  Dead.  He  is  then  entitled  to  singular 
love  and  veneration. 

Practice — Nine  Gloria  Patria,  in  hon¬ 
our  of  St.  Michael,  as  chief  of  the  Nine 
Choirs. 

Asp. — 0  holy  Michael  the  Archangel ! 
defend  us  in  the  combat,  lest  we  perish  in 
the  Day  of  Judgment. 

Lecture — For  this  and  the  days  follow¬ 
ing,  read  4th  Practice,  2d  part  of  the  pre¬ 
ceding  work,  and  the  Litany  of  the  Holy 
Archangels,  page  168. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


123 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-SEVENTH. 

The  Angels  of  bad  and  ignorant  Catholics. 

That  there  are  numbers  who  belong  to 
the  one  fold  of  Jesus  Christ,  unmindful  of 
their  duty  to  those  holy  Angels,  whom  the^ 
know  to  be  their  guardians  and  protectors, 
and  many  more  altogether  ignorant  of  this 
consoling  truth — is  as  undeniable  as  it  is 
afflicting.  Let  us  this  day  supply  their  de¬ 
ficiency  by  our  homage  and  respect. 

Practice. — Assist  at  Mass  in  honour  of 
these  Angels. 

Asp. — For  all  who  despise  or  forget  you, 
I  love  and  venerate  you,  holy  Angels. 

Lecture — ldead  2d  Practice,  2d  part  of 
Boudon. 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-EIGHTH. 

The  Angels  who  visit  and  console  the  souls  in 
Purgatory. 

The  charity  of  the  Angels  does  not  end 
with  our  existence  here ;  if  condemned  af¬ 
ter  death  to  the  purifying  flames  of  Purga¬ 
tory — they  visit  and  console  us  in  a  man¬ 
ner  which  considerably  diminishes  the 
sense  of  suffering.  They  have  often  ap- 


124 


DEVOTION  TO' 

peared  to  persons  on  earth,  to  incite  them 
to  relieve  by  prayers  and  good  works,  the 
souls  detained  in  Purgatory. 

Practice — Sacrifice  something  at  meals 
in  honour  of  these  Angels. 

Asp. — Holy  Angels,  I  thank  you. 
Lecture — Read  8th  Practice,  2d  part  of 
the  preceding  work. 


OCTOBER  TWENTY-NINTH. 

The  Angels  who  favoured  particular  Saints. 

Let  us  consecrate  this  day  to  ‘  those 
blessed  Spirits  who  specially  favoured  some 
of  the  Saints ;  as  the  Angels  who  released 
St.  Peter  from  his  prison,  and  revealed  to 
.  St.  John  the  secrets  of  futurity  ;  those  who 
gave  the  monastic  rule  to  St.  Pachomius : 
who  imprinted  the  holy  stigmas  in  the 
body  of  St.  Francis;  wounded  the  heart 
of  St.  Teresa;  and  those  who  gave  the 
holy  communion  to  St.  Stanislas  Kotska; 
who  conversed  with  St.  Rose,  and  conferred 
on  St.  Thomas  the  gift  of  perfect  chastity. 
Thus  we  will  please  those  great  servants 
of  God,  and  obtain  their  intercession. 

Practice — Three  spiritual  communions 
in  honour  of  these  Angels, 


TIIE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


125 


Asp. — 0  all  ye  holy  Saints  and  Angels  ! 
intercede  for  us. 

Lecture — 6th  Motive  1st  part  of  Bou- 
don. 


OCTOBER  THIRTIETH. 

All  the  Angels  because  they  assist  us  in  Death 

We  are  horn  but  to  live — we  live  but  to 
die — and  our  lot  for  eternity  depends  on 
the  manner  in  which  we  breathe  our  last. 
We  ought,  then,  to  “make  for  ourselves 
friends,”  for  that  critical  moment,  of  the 
holy  Angels,  by  a  true,  sincere,  persever¬ 
ing  devotion  to  them.  If  we  do,  it  is  then 
indeed  they  will  show  “  how”  they  “loved” 
us. 

Practice — Beads  of  the  holy  Angels, 
and  Hymn  and  Prayer  to  the  B.  Y.  for  a 
happy  death.  See  Appendix,  page  ■ 

Asp. — 0  holy  Angels — -Spirits  of  God  ! 
“pray  for  us  now  and  at  the  hour  of  our 
death — Amen.” 

Lecture — 9th  Motive,  1st  part  of  Bou- 
don 


126 


DEVOTION  TO 


OCTOBER  THIRTY-FIRST. 

All  the  Angels  because  they  will  contribute  to  our 
happiness  in  eternity. 

When  the  figure  of  this  world  shall 
hav#  passed  away — when  the  earth  and  all 
that  is  in  it  shall  have  been  burnt  up,  and 
the  elements  melted  with  heat — when,  in 
fine,  the  Son  of  Man  shall  appear  on  a 
cloud  to  judge  the  living  and  the  dead  — 
the  Angels,  at  his  command,  having  sepa¬ 
rated  the  good  from  the  had,  will  encom¬ 
pass  the  former  as  a  tower  of  defence 
against  the  evils  which  will  cause  the- latter 
to  exclaim — u  Mountains  fall  upon  us  ! 
hills  cover  us  \”  And  when  the  final 
sentence  seals  man’s  eternal  doom,  and 
that  the  Supreme  Arbiter,  having  locked, 
on  their  respective  inmates,  the  gates  of 
heaven  and  of  hell,  has  flung  the  keys  into 
the  ocean  of  eternity,  these  blessed  Spirits 
will  seat  us  down  at  the  table  of  the  Lamb, 
rejoicing  that  our  sorrow  is  changed  into 
joy,  and  that  the  days  of  our  mourning 
are  ended.  Let  us  love  these  holy  Angels, 
but  let  us  love  them  perseveringly.  Per¬ 
severance  crowns  the  work.  If  they  de¬ 
served  our  homage  yesterday,  they  as  well 
and  better  deserve  it  to  day. 


THE  HOLT  ANGELS. 


127 


Practice — Excite  others  to  be  devout  to 
the  Angels.  Recite  also  the  Litany  of 
the  Saints,  favoured  by  the  Angels.  See 
Appendix. 

Asp. — Alleluia!  Salvation  to  our  God, 
that  sits  upon  the  throne :  and  may  all  his 
Angels  say,  Amen. 

Lecture — The  preceding  work  of  Bou- 
don.  9th  Practice,  2d  part. 


CONCLUSION  OF  THE  ANGELICAL  MONTH 

—FIRST  OF  NOVEMBER. 

'•  Feast  of  all  Saints. 

0  blessed  Spirits  !  our  guardians  and 
intercessors — I,  your  unworthy  servant, 
grateful  for  the  favours  received  from  you 
during  this  holy  month,  come  to  present 
you  my  warmest  thanks  on  this  feast  of 
the  Saints  your  blessed  companions  in 
glory,  and  as  some  mark  of  sorrow  for  past 
indevotion,  and  of  present  love  and  respect, 
I  offer  you  the  little  crown  formed  of  the 
pious  practices  performed  during  this 
month  in  your  honour,  in  union  with  the 
perpetual  love  which  your  little  Associa¬ 
tion  entertains  for  you.  Deign  to  accept 
it,  0  holy  Angels !  and  obtain  for  us  of 


128 


DEVOTION  TO 


God,  through  Jesus,  his  Incarnate  Word, 
and  Mary,  your  august  Queen,  that  perse¬ 
vering  in  the  good  resolutions  wherewith 
he  has  inspired  us  now,  we  may  eternally 
contemplate  with  you  that  unfading  beauty 
whom  we  bitterly  regret  u  having  loved  too 
late.”  Memorare  (as  before,  p.  98.) 


A  PRAYER  TO  OUR  ANGEL  GUARDIAN. 

0  Angel  of  God !  amiable  Guardian !  to  whose 
care  the  tender  mercy  of  my  Creator  committed  my 
soul  at  the  instant  of  its  creation  !  accept  my  fervent 
thanksgivings  for  the  blessings  and  graces  I  have  re¬ 
ceived  through  and  by  thee.  0  pure  Spirit !  my 
guide  from  the  moment  of  my  birth  !  remember  the 
zeal  and  charity  with  which  thou  didst  undertake 
to  accompany  me  through  life — remember  the  joy 
with  which  thou  wert  filled  when  I  was  purified  in 
the  waters  of  baptism,  and  entitled  to  reign  eter¬ 
nally  with  thee.  How  anxiously  didst  thou  watch 
over  the  treasure  of  my  innocence !  how  fervently 
didst  thou  pray  for  its  preservation !  and,  alas ! 
when  my  soul  was  defiled  for  the  first  time  by  sin, 
when  all  her  ornaments  were  taken  away,  when  she 
that  teas  free  teas  made  a  slave,  her  beauty  and  her 
glory  laid  waste,  how  deeply  didst  tlTou  deplore  her 
misfortune.  If  I  am  still  capable  of  loving  him  on 
earth,  aspiring  to  his  eternal  love  in  heaven,  is  it 
not  by  thee  I  enjoy  these  blessings?  Didst  not 
thou  preserve  me,  not  only  from  temporal  dangers, 
but  from  the  eternal  pains  I  so  often  deserved  ? 
Since  my  ingratitude  has  not  cooled  the  ardour  of 
thy  charity  towards  me  ;  since  my  sins,  and  the 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


129 


miseries  of  my  soul,  have  not  forced  thee  to  abandon 
me,  deign,  I  conjure  thee,  to  accept  the  firm  resolu¬ 
tion  I  now  make  of  being  docile  in  future  to  thy 
merciful  inspirations.  Remember,  0  most  happy 
Spirit !  that  it  was  one  profound  act  of  humility, 
one  ardent  transport  of  perfect  charity,  which  fixed 
thee  for  ever  in  glory,  and  graciously  obtain  for  me 
those  amiable  virtues.  Thou  who  always  standest 
before  the  Lord,  (Tob.  xii.  16,)  think  of  me  in  his 
divine  presence,  and  keep  me  attentive  to  this  holy 
exercise — offer  him  my  heart,  my  actions,  my  inten¬ 
tions,  my  whole  being.  Adore  him  for  me,  love 
him  for  mo,  supply  by  thy  burning  ardours  for  my 
coldness  and  tepidity,  atone  by  thy  profound  con¬ 
templation  for  my  negligence  and  distraction ; 
watch  over  my  soul  in  her  last  awful  combat,  and 
return  with  me  to  him  that  sent  thee,  that  we  may 
mutually  bless  him,  and  publish  his  toonderful 
works.  Amen.  (Ibid.  20.) 


■ 


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■ !  ■  •  ’■  . ' 


. 

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, 

'  - 

. 

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v>  • 

1  . .  (7 


.  4 

......  ■■■  •  • 

... 


APPENDIX 


to 

THE  MONTH  OF  THE  HOLY  ANGELS, 


CONTAINING 

THE  OFFICE, 

AND 

OTHER  PRACTICES  OF  DEVOTION 


PRESCRIBED 


DURING  THAT  PERIOD. 


I 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE  OF  THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 

AT  MATINS. 

Ant.  God  hath  given  his  Angels  thargo 
of  thee,  that  they  keep  thee  in  all  thy 
ways.  Amen. 

0  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips.. 

And  my  tongue  shall  declare  thy  praise. 

0  God,  incline  unto  my  aid. 

0  Lord,  make  haste  to  help  me. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.  Alleluia. 

HYMN. 

0  Lord,  permit  us  here  to  raise  our  voice, 

And  waft  before  thy  throne  our  feeble  praise; 

And  thank  thee  for  those  Angels  whom  thy  choice, 
Hath  lent  our  weakness  to  direct  its  ways, 

And  free  us  from  the  envious  foes  that  lurk 
To  spoil  the  beauty  of  thy  cherish’d  work. 

Ant.  0  Holy  Angels!  our  Guardians, 
defend  us  in  the  combat,  that  we  perish 
not  in  the  dreadful  judgment. 

V.  In  the  sight  of  the  Angels  I  will  sing 
to  thee,  my  God. 

R.  I  will  adore  at  thy  holy  temple,  and 
confess  to  thy  name. 


(133) 


134 


OFFICE  OF 


PRAYER. 

0  God,  who  with  unspeakable  provi¬ 
dence  hast  vouchsafed  to  appoint  thy  holy 
Angels  to  be  our  Guardians,  grant  to  thy 
humble  suppliants,  to  be  always  defended 
by  their  protection,  and  to  enjoy  their 
everlasting  society,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
thy  Son,  our  Lord,  who  lives  and  reigns, 
&c.  Amen. 


AT  PRIME. 

Ant.  God  hath  given  his  Angels  charge 
of  thee,  that  they  keep  thee  in  all  thy 
ways.  Amen.  . 

0  God,  incline  unto,  &c. 

0  Lord,  make  haste,  &c. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.  Alleluia. 

HYMN. 

For  Satan  driven  from  the  happy  land, 

Where  once  he  shone  in  splendour,  ill  can  brook, 
The  kindly  justice  of  the  Almighty  hand, 

That  gives  to  man  the  throne  that  he  forsook, 
And  seeks  to  drag  into  his  own  disgrace 
Poor  mortals  thus  design'd  to  fill  his  place. 

Ant.  0  Holy  Angels !  our  Guardians, 
&c.,  as  before. 


THE  I10LY  ANGELS. 


135 


V.  In  the  sight  of  thy  Angels  I  will 
sing  unto  thee,  my  God. 

11.  I  will  adore  at  thy  holy  temple,  and 
confess  to  thy  name. 

PRAYER. 

0  God,  who  with  unspeakable  provi¬ 
dence,  &c.,  as  before. 

AT  TIERCE. 

Ant.  God  hath  given  his  Angels,  &c., 
as  before. 

0  God,  incline  unto,  &c. 

0  Lord,  make  haste,  &c. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.  Alleluia. 


HYMN. 

Bright  Spirit !  whom  a  God  supremely  wise 
Hath  given  to  be  the  Guardian  of  this  land, 

Come  arm’d  with  all  thy  power  from  the  skies, 
And  hear  its  children  harmless  in  thy  hand, 

Safe  from  all  evil  that  defiles  the  soul, 

Safe  from  disunion’s  with’ring  control. 

Ant.  0  Holy  Angels,  &c.,  as  before. 

V.  In  the  sight  of  thy  Angels,  &c. 

Ji.  I  will  adore  at  thy  holy  temple,  &c. 


136 


OFFICE  OF 


PRAYER. 

0  God,  who  with  unspeakable  provi¬ 
dence,  &c. 

AT  SEXT. 

Ant.  God  hath  given  his  Angels,  &c. 

0  God  incline  unto  my  aid. 

0  Lord  make  haste  to  help  me. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.  Alleluia. 

HYMN. 

'0  Jesus  !  glory  of  the  angelic  choirs, 

Light  of  their  brightness,  sweetness  of  their  bliss; 
Thou  who  didst  leave  a  world  whero  nothing  tires. 
To  taste  the  pains  and  miseries  of  this ; 

Be  these  same  pains,  endured  to  set  us  free, 

The  germ  of  endless -happiness  with  thee. 

Ant.  0  Holy  Angels,  &c. 

V.  In  the  sight  of  thy  Angels,  &c. 

R.  I  will  adore  at  thy  holy  temple,  &c. 

PRAYER. 

0  God,  who  with  unspeakable  provi¬ 
dence,  &c. 


AT  NONE. 

Ant.  God  hath  given  his  Angels,  &c. 
R.  Amen. 


THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 


137 


V.  0  God,  incline  unto  my  aid. 

^  R.  0  Lord,  make  haste  to  help  me. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.  Alleluia. 

♦ 

HYMN. 

Angel  of  peace  !  come,  Michael,  to  our  aid, 

Thou  who  didst  once  chase  discord  from  the  sky ; 
Come  calm  those  boisterous  passions  that  have  made 
Such  havoc  here  as  they  have  made  on  high  ; 

Drive  strife  and  rancour  to  their  kindred  gloom — 
To  Hell,  their  fitting,  their  eternal  tomb. 

Ant.  0  Holy  Angels,  &c. 

V.  In  the  sight  of  thy  Angels,  &c. 

R.  I  will  adore  at  thy  holy  temple,  &c. 

• 

PRAYER. 

O  God,  who  with  unspeakable  provi¬ 
dence,  &c. 


AT  VESPERS. 

Ant..  God  hath  given  his  Angels,  &c. 
O  God,  incline  unto  my  aid. 

O  Lord,  make  haste  to  help  me. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.  Alleluia. 


HYMN. 

Spirit  of  might !  0  Gabriel,  display 
Thy  matchless  power  against  our  ancient  foes; 


138 


OFFICE  OF 


Visit  those  sacred  temples  where  we  pray, 

’Twas  at  thy  potent  word  those  temples  rose; 

Thou  wert  the  herald  of  his  future  birth, 

Whose  worship  raised  these  shrines  throughout  the 
earth. 


Ant.  0  Holy  Angels,  &c. 

V.  In  the  sight  of  thy  Angels,  &c. 

PRAYER. 

0  God,  who  with  unspeakable  provi¬ 
dence,  &c. 

AT  COMPLIN. 

Ant.  God  hath  given  his  Angels, ‘&c. 

V.  Convert  us,  0  God,  our  Saviour.  * 

R.  And  avert  thy  anger  from  us. 

0  God,  incline  unto  my  aid. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.  Alleluia. 

HYMN. 

And  Raphael!  of  the  glorious  seven  who  stand 
Before  the  throne  of  Him  who  lives  and  reigns ; 
Angel  of  Health  !  the  Lord  has  filled  thy  hand 
With  balm  from  Heaven  to  soothe  or  cure  our  pains. 
Heal  or  console  the  victim  of  disease, 

And  guide  our  steps  when  doubtful  of  our  ways. 

Ant.  0  Holy  Angels,  &c. 

V.  In  the  sight  of  thy  Angels,  &c. 

R.  I  will  adore  at  thy  holy  temple,  &c. 


TE  DEUM  LAUDAMUS. 


139 


PRAYER. 

0  God,  who  with  unspeakable  provi~ 
dence,  &c. 

COMMENDATION. 

Ah,  Holy  Angels  !  at  your  feet 
This  •wreath  of  humble  flowers  I  lay; 

0  that  their  odour  were  as  sweet, 

As  he  who  giv^desires  it  may, 

Protect  me  at  oeath’s  awful  hour, 

Receive  my  soul  to  your  embrace, 

Rich  with  the  wonders  of  your  power, 

To  thank,  to  praise  you,  face  to  face.  Amen. 


TE  DEUM  LAUDAMUS. 

We  praise  thee,  0  God;  we  confess 
thee,  0  Lord. 

Thee  the  Eternal  Father  all  the  earth 
doth  worship. 

Thee  the  Angels,  and  all  the  Powers. 

Thee  the  Cherubim  and  Seraphim  pro¬ 
claim  without  ceasing. 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy  Lord  God  of  Sab 
baoth. 

The  heavens  and  the  earth  are  full  of 
the  majesty  of  thy  glory. 

Thee  the  glorious  choir  of  Apostles. 


140 


TE  DEUM  LAUDAMUS. 


Thee  the  numerous  train  of  Prophets. 

Thee  the  white  robed  army  of  martyrs 
doth  praise. 

Thee  holy  church  throughout  the  world 
confesses. 

The  Father  of  immense  majesty. 

The  venerable,  true,  and  only  Son. 

The  Holy  Ghost,  the  Paraclete. 

Thou  art  the  King  of  (Hory,  0  Christ. 

Thou  art  the  eternal  Son  of  the  Father. 

Who  when  about  to  deliver  man  didst 
not  abhor  a  Virgin's  womb. 

Thou  having  overcome  the  sting  of 
death,  hast  opened  to  believers  the  king¬ 
dom  of  heaven. 

Thou  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  in 
the  glory  of  the  Father. 

We  believe  thee  to  be  the  Judge  to  come. 

We  therefore  pray  thee  to  help  thy  ser¬ 
vants  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  with  thy 
precious  blood. 

Let  them  be  numbered  with  thy  Saints 
in  eternal  glory. 

Lord  save  thy  people  and  bless  thy  in¬ 
heritance. 

And  govern  and  exalt  them  for  ever  and 
ever. 

Every  day  we  bless  thee. 

And  we  praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 


THE  BENEDICITE. 


141 


Vouchsafe,  0  Lord,  to  preserve  us  to¬ 
day  without  sin. 

Have  mercy  on  us,  0  Lord,  have  mercy 
on  us. 

Let  thy  mercy,  0  Lord,  he  upon  us,  ac¬ 
cording  as  we  have  hoped  in  thee. 

In  thee,  0  Lord,  have  I  hoped,  let  me 
never  be  confounded. 


AYE  REGINA  CCELORUM. 

Hail,  Mary,  Queen  of  heavenly  spheres, 
Hail,  whom  the  angelic  host  reveres ; 
Hail,  fruitful  root,  hail,  sacred  gate, 

From  whom  earth’s  light  dorives  its  date. 
0  glorious  Maid,  with  beauty  blest, 

•  May  joys  eternal  fill  thy  breast; 

Thus  crown’d  with  beauty  and  with  joy, 
Thy  prayers  with  Christ  for  us  employ. 


THE  benedicite; 

OK,  CANTICLE  OP  THE  HEBREW  CHILDREN. 

All  ye  works  of  the  Lord,  bless  the  Lord> 
praise  and  extol  him  for  ever. 

Bless  the  Lord,  ye.  Angels  of  the  Lord, 
ye  heavens  bless  the  Lord. 


142 


THE  BENED1CITE. 


All  ye  waters  that  are  above  the  hea¬ 
vens  bless  the  Lord. 

All  ye  powers  of  the  Lord,  Sun  and 
Moon,  bless  the  Lord. 

Stars  of  heaven,  bless  the  Lord. 

Showers  and  Dew,  bless  the  Lord. 

All  Spirits  of  God,  bless  the  Lord. 

Fire  and  Heat,  bless  the  Lord. 

Cold  and  Summer,  bless  the  Lord. 

Dews  and  Hoar-Frost,  bless  the  Lord. 

Frost  and  Cold,  bless  the  Lord. 

Ice  and  Snow,  bless  the  Lord. 

Lightnings  and  Clouds  bless  the  Lord. 

Let  the  earth  bless  the  Lord;  let  it 
praise  and  magnify  him  for  ever. 

Mountains  and  hills,  bless  the  Lord ;  all 
things  that  spring  in  the  earth,  bles^L  the 
Lord. 

Bless  the  Lord,  ye  fountains;  seas  and 
rivers,  bless  the  Lord ;  whales,  and  all 
that  move  in  the  waters,  bless  the  Lord; 
bless  the  Lord  all  ye  fowls  of  the  air. 

Beasts  and  cattle,  bless  the  Lord;  ye 
sons  of  men,  bless  the  Lord. 

Let  Israel  bless  the  Lord ;  let  it  praise 
and  extol  him  for  ever. 

Priests  of  the  Lord,  bless  the  Lord ;  ser¬ 
vants  of  the  Lord,  Mess  the  Lord ;  spirits 


GLORIA  IN  EXCELSIS. 


143 


and  souls  of  the  just,  bless  the  Lord;  ye 
holy  and  humble  of  heart,  bless  the  Lord. 

Ananias,  Azarius,  Misael,  bless  the 
Lord  ;  praise  and  extol  him  for  ever. 

Let  us  bless  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost;  let  us  praise  and 
magnify  him  for  ever. 

Blessed  art  thou  Lord  in  the  firmament 
of  Heaven,  and  praised  and  glorified  and 
extolled  for  ever. 


GLORIA  IN  EXCELSIS. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high,  and  peace  on 
earth  to  men  of  good  will.  We  praise 
thee,  we  bless  thee,  we  adore  thee,  w’e 
glorify  thee,  we  give  thee  thanks  for  thy ' 
great .  glory.  0  Lord  God,  Heavenly 
King,  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  only  begotten  Son,  Lord 
God,  Lamb  of  God,  Son  of  the  Father, 
who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world, 
have  mercy  on  us  !  who  takest  away  the 
sins  of  the  world,  receive  our  prayer !  who 
sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father, 
have  mercy  on  us !  For  thou  alone  art 
holy,  thou  alone  art  Lord,  thou  alone  art 


144 


HYMN  TO  THE  ANGELS. 


most  high,  in  the  glory  of  Grod  the  Father. 
Amen. 


ANTHEM  TO  THE  BLESSED  VIKGIN. 
Alma  Redemptoris  Mater. 


Bright  Parent  of  the  Lord,  whose  pray’rs  display 
The  heavenly  gates  whose  light  directs  our  way; 
Bright  ocean’s  star,  whose  sacred  influence  guide 
Our  straggling  course  in  spite  of  nature’s  tide, 
Thou  in  whom  nature  stood  amazed  to  seo 
Both  God  and  Man,  thy  Maker  born  of  thee ; 

In  whom  alone  the  Maid  and  Mother  meet. 
Remember  sinners  at  thy  Infant’s  feet. 


HYMN  OF.  THE  ANGELS. 

Jesus  !  thy  Father’s  ray  and  might, 
Of  faithful  hearts  the  life  and  light; 
Tributes  of  praise  to  thee  we  pay, 
With  th’  Angels  who  thy  voice  obey. 

Millions  of  leaders  arm’d  with  light, 
In  close  array  thy  battles  fight ; 
Michael,  the  saving  standard  wields, 
Displays  the  cross,  and  Satan  yields. 

Th’  infernal  dragon  down  from  bliss, 
He  hurls  to  Hell’s  inflamed  abyss  : 
And  thunders  headlong  from  the  sky 
The  rebel  captain  and  his  crew. 


PLALM  XC. 


145 


Lot’s  follow  then  so  brave  a  guide, 
Against  this  hellish  Prince  of  pride; 
That  crowns  of  glory  we  may  gain, 

And  with  the  Lamb  for  ever  reign. 

To  God  the  Father  amd  the  Son, 

And  Holy  Spirit,  thrlfe  in  one, 

Be  endless  glory,  as  before 

The  Mforld  began,  so  evermore.  Amen. 


PSALM  XC. 

He  who  dwells  in  the  help  of  the  Most 
High,  shall  abide  in  the  protection  of  the 
God  of  Heaven. 

He  shall  say  to  the  Lord,  thou  art  my 
protector,  and  my  refuge ;  my  God,  in  him 
will  I  hope. 

For  he  hath  delivered  me  from  the 
snare  of  the  hunters;  and  from  the  sharp 
sword. 

With  his  shoulders  he  will  overshadow 
thee ;  and  under  his  wings  thou  shalt 
hope. 

His  truth  shall  encompass  thee  with  a 
shield  ;  thou  shalt  not  fear  the  terrors  of 
the  night.  Nor  the  arrow  flying  in  the 
day,  nor  the  noonday  devil. 

A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side,  and 

10 


146 


PLALM  XC. 


ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand,  hut  it 
shall  not  come  nigh  to  thee. 

But  thou  shalt  consider  with  thine  eyes, 
and  shalt  see  the  reward  of  sinners. 

Because  thou,  jP  Lord,  art  my  hope; 
thou  hast  made  the  Most  High  thy  refuge. 

Evil  shall  not  approach  to  thee ;  nor 
shall  the  scourge  come  near  thy  tabernacle. 

For  he  hath  given  his  Angels  charge  of 
thee,  that  they  may  keep  thee  in  all  thy 
ways. 

In  their  hands  they  shall  bear  thee  up; 
lest,  perhaps,  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a 
stone. 

Thou  shalt  walk  upon  the  asp  and  upon 
ihe  basilisk ;  thou  shalt  trample  under 
foot  the  lion  and  the  dragon. 

Because  he  hath  hoped  in  me  I  will  de¬ 
liver  him  ;  I  will  protect  him  because  he 
hath  known  my  name. 

He  shall  call  upon  me  and  I  will  hear 
him;  I  am  with  him  in  his  tribulation;  I 
will  deliver  him,  and  will  glorify  him. 

I  will  fill  him  with  length  of  days,  and 
will  show  him  my  salvation. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 


LITANY  OF  TIIOSE  SAINTS 


WHO  HAVE  BEEN  SPECIALLY  FAVOURED  BY  THE 
ANGELS 


Lord,  ha_ve  mercy  on  us  ! 

Christ,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Christ,  hear  us ! 

Christ,  graciously  hear  us  ! 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  World,  have  merw 
on  us  ! 

God  the  Holy  Ghost,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Holy  Trinity,  one  only  God,  have  mercy  on  us! 

Holy  Mary,  who  has  been  saluted  by  the 
Archangel  Gabriel, 

St.  Joseph,  who  received  the  divine  commands 
by  Angels, 

St.  Peter,  delivered  from  captivity  by  an  Angel, 

St.  John,  taught  sublimo  secrets  by  an  Angel, 

St.  Gregory  and  St.  Philip  Nori,  whose  charity 
to  the  poor  caused  the  Angels  to  appear 
among  them,  when  you  administered  relief 
to  their  wants. 

SS.  Nicholas  and  Martin,  whom  the  Angels 
gratified  at  death  with  harmonious  concerts, 

St.  Pachomius,  who  received  by  an  Angel  a 
rule  for  the  religious  whom  you  governed, 

St.  Francis,  who  received  the  stigmas  of  the 
Passion  by  a  Seraph, 

St.  Welceslaus,  whom  the  Angels  visibly  pro¬ 
tected  in  battle, 

SS.  Raymond  and  Stanislas,  who  are  said  to 

(U7) 


a 


148 


LITANY  OF  SAINTS. 


Have  received  the  Holy  Eucharist  by  the' 
ministry  of  Angels, 

St.  Thomas  of  Aquin,  who  received  the  gift  of 
chastity  through  the  agency  of  an  Angel, 

St.  Isadore,  whom  the  Angels  assisted  at  work 
to  furnish  you  with  more  time  for  prayer, 

St.  Camillus,  protected  by  Angels  in  your  jour¬ 
neys, 

St.  Mary  Magdalene,  who  learned  the  Resur¬ 
rection  of  Jesus  from  Angels, 

St.  Catherine  of  Sienna,  espoused  by  Jesus 
Christ  in  presence  of  the  Angels, 

SS.  Agnes  and  Cecily,  protected  by  Angels, 

St.  Francis,  who  often  conversed  with  and  re¬ 
ceived  from  your  good  Angel  innumerable 
favours, 

St.  Catherine  of  Sweden,  whose  soul  at  death 
was  received  by  Angels, 

St.  Teresa,  the  transverberation  of  whose  heart 
with  divine  love  was  accomplished  by  an 
.  Angel, 

St.  Rose  of  Lima,  who  in  recompense  of  your 
purity  enjoyed  the' familiarity  of  your  Angel, 

0  all  ye  holy  Saints  who  have  been  most  de¬ 
voted  to  and  favoured  by  the  Angels, 

Lamb  of  God  !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world  !  pardon  us,  0  Lord  ! 

Lamb  of  God !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  hear  us,  0  Lord  ! 

Lamb  of  God  !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Lord,  hear  my  prayer  ! 

And  let  my  supplication  come  to  thee  ! 

PRAYER. 


0  God  !  who  with  admirable  order  hast 


Pray  for  us. 


LITANY  OF  THE  HOLY  ANGELS.  149 

regulated  the  functions  of  Angels  and  of 
men,  grant  that  those  who  always  assist 
before  your  throne  in  heaven  may  defend 
us  here  on  earth,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
thy  Son,  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

THE  BEADS  OF  THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 

Say  on  the  cross,  the  Te  Deum* 

Say  on  the  Decades,  (which  may  he  five, 
seven,  or  nine,  as  time  and  devotion  serve,) 
the  Ave  Maria,  or  Gloria  Patri — and  on 
the  Stones,  say,  “  0  holy  Angels  !  I  love 
you,  and  wish  to  love  you  more.”  If  a 
person  wish  to  address  it  to  his  or  her 
Angel  Guardian,  they  will  say  on  the 
Stones,  the  little  prayer,  “  0  Angel  of 
God  !  to  whose  care,”  &c.  and  the  rest, 
as  before. 


LITANY  OF  THE  HOLY  ANGELS. 

/ 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us ! 

Christ,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Christ,  hear  us ! 

Christ,  graciously  hear  us  ! 

*  *  See  Appendix,  page  1S7.'5 


150  LITANY  OF  THE  HOLY  ANGELS 


God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy  on  us ! 

God,  the  Sou,  Redeemer  of  the  World,  have  mercy 
on  us ! 

God  the  Holy  Ghost,  have  mercy  on  us! 

Holy  Trinity,  only  one  God,  have  mercy  on  us ! 
Holy  Mary,  Queen  of  Angels, 

St.  Michael, 

St.  Gabriel, 

St.  Raphael, 

Holy  Seraphim, 

Holy  Cherubim, 

Holy  Thrones, 

Holy  Dominations, 

Holy  Virtues, 

Holy  Powers, 

Holy  Principalities, 

Holy  Archangels, 

Holy  Angels, 

Rlessed  Spirits,  who  surround  the  throne  of  God 
and  incessantly  sing  to  him,  Holy!  Holy! 

Holy  Lord  God  of  Sabbaoth, 

Who  dissipate  our  darkness  and  illumine  our 
minds, 

Who  announce  to  us  divine  things. 

Who  have  received  from  God  the  care  of  men, 

Who  incessantly  contemplate  the  beauty  of  his 
countenance, 

Who  rejoice  at  the  conversion  of  a  sinner, 

Who  rescued  Lot  out  of  Sodom, 

Who  ascended  and  descended  by  the  ladder 
of  Jacob, 

Who  gave  the  law  to  Moses  on  Sinai, 

Who  announced  joy  to  Man  atthebirthof  Christ, 

Who  ministered  to  Jesus  after  his  fast  of  forty 
days, 

Who  appeared  at  his  sepulchre, 

Who  spoke  to  his  Disciples  at  his  Ascension, 

Who  will  accompany  him  at  his  last  coming, 


Pray  for  U9. 


LITANY  OF  THE  HOLY  ANGELS.  151 


(Who  assist  us  at  the  hour  of  death, 

Who  release  from  Purgatory  the  Souls  detained 
there, 

Who  perform  Miracles  by  the  Divine  Power, 

Who  preside  over  States  and  Monarchies, 

Who  have  delivered  the  friends  of  God  from 
many  dangers, 

Who  consoled  the  Martyrs  in  their  torments. 

Who  specially  protect  Prelates  and  Princes, 

All  ye  celestial  Orders  and  Hierarchies, 

From  all  sin  and  danger,  preserve  us,  0  holy  Angels ! 
From  the  Devil’s  malice,  preserve  us,  0  holy  Angels  ! 
!  From  heresy  and  schism,  preserve  us,  0  holy  Angels ! 
I  From  eternal  damnation,  preserve  us,  0  holy  Angels  ! 
!  From  a  sudden  death,  preserve  us,  0  holy  Angels  ! 
i  Lamb  of  God  !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  pardon  us,  0  Lord  ! 

Lamb  of  God !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  hear  us,  0  Lord  ! 

Lamb  of  God!  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

;  Lord,  hear  my  prayer  ! 

And  let  my  supplication  come  to  thee ! 

PRAYER. 

*  v  ^  * 

0  God  !  who  with  admirable  order  hast 
regulated  the  functions  of  Angels  and  Men, 

1  grant  that  those  who  always  assist  before 
your  throne  in  heaven  may  defend  our 
!  lives  here  on  earth — through  Jesus  Christ, 
j  thy  Son,  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 


Pray  for  us. 


152  LITANY  OP  THE  ANGEL  GUARDIAN 


LITANY  OF  THE  ANGEL  GUARDIAN, 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Christ,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  me  ! 

Christ,  bear  us  ! 

Christ,  graciously  hear  usl 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  Men,  have  mercy  on  us ! 
God,  the  Holy  Ghost,  Sanctifier  of  Souls,  havo 
mercy  on  us  ! 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God,  have  mercy  on  us ! 

Holy  Mary,  Queen  of  Heaven, 

Holy  Angel,  my  Guardian, 

Holy  Angel,  my  Protector  in  all  dangers, 

Holy  Angel,  my  Defence  in  all  afflictions, 

Holy  Angel,  my  most  faithful  Lover, 

Holy  Angel,  my  Preceptor, 

Holy  Angel,  my  Guide, 

Holy  Angel,  witness  of  all  my  actions, 

Holy  Angel,  my  helper  in  all  my  difficulties, 

Holy  Angel,  my  Negotiator  with  God, 

Holy  Angel,  my  advocate, 

Holy  Angel,  lover  of' Chastity, 

Holy  Angel,  lover  of  Innocence, 

Holy  Angel,  most  obedient  of  God, 

Holy  Angel,  Director  of  my  Soul, 

Holy  Angel,  model  of  Purity, 

Holy  Angel,  model  of  Docility, 

Holy  Angel,  my  Counsellor  in  doubt, 

Holy  Angel,  my  Guardian  through  life, 

Holy  Angel,  my  shield  at  the  hour  of  Death,  y 
Lamb  of  God!  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  spare  us,  0  Lord  ! 

Lamb  of  God !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  tho 
world,  hear  us,  0  Lord  ! 

Lamb  of  God  !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  have  mercy  on  us ! 


Pray  for  us. 


HYMN  TO  THE  VIRGIN. 


153 


PRAYER. 

0  God  !  who  with  unspeakable  Provi¬ 
dence  vouchsafest  to  send  thy  Angels  to  be 
our  Guardians,  mercifully  grant,  that  we, 
thy  suppliants,  may  be  always  defended  by 
their  protection  and  enjoy  their  eternal  so¬ 
ciety — through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our 
Lord,  who  liveth  andreigneth  with  thee,  in 
the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.  Amen. 


HYMN  TO  THE  GLORIOUS  VIRGIN, 
MOTHER  OF  GOD. 

By  the  devout  Blosius. 

Ave !  Virgo  gratiosa, 

Virgo  sole  clarior, 

Mater  Dei  gloriosa, 

Favo  inellis  dulcior. 

Tu  es  ilia  speeiosa, 

Qua  nulla  est  pulchrior, 

Rubicunda  plusquain  ros&, 

Lilio  candidior. 

Tu  es  grata  lux  piorum. 

Grata  lux  Ecclesioe, 

Fulgens  portus  afilictorum, 

Regina  clementiae. 


154  HYMN  TO  THE  VIRGIN. 


Dele  sordes  peeeatorum, 

Mater  indulgentim, 

Luctus  solare  majstorum, 

Aurora  lsetitiae. 

Veni,  veni,  propera, 

Unge  corda  misera, 

Charum  fundens  oleum, 

Tua  semper  ubera, 

Sanent  nostra  vulnera, 

Coeli  jubar  aureurn.  Amen. 

\ 

_ 

/ 

TRANSLATION. 

Hail !  thou  good  and  gracious  Mother', 
Virgin  brighter  than  the  sun  ! 

Crown’d  with  glory  which  no  other 
Eyes  but  thine  could  look  upon. 

Sweeter  than  the  honey;  glowing 
Beauteous  above  all  that’s  bright ; 

Blooming  as  the  rose’s  blowing: 

Eairer  than  the  lily’s  white. 

Thou’rt  that  light,  whose  dazzling  glory 
Cheers  the  hearts  of  all  the  good  ; 

Thou’rt  that  church’s  light  which  Jesus 
Purchased  with  his  sacred  blood. 

Where’s  the  heart,  however  troubled, 
Thou  canst  not  from  pain  release  ? 

Thou’rt  its  beacon — thou’rt  its  refuge — 
Queen  of  clemency  and  peace. 


PRAYER  TO  THE  VIRGIN. 


155 


In  our  souls,  0  Queen  of  mercy ! 

Every  stain  of  sin  destroy  ; 

Soothe  the  griefs  of  those  who  mourn, 

Morning  star  of  peace  and  joy. 

Come — 0  come!  make  haste  to  heal  us — 
Sweet’s  the  peace  thy  power  imparts  ; 

Come  and  pour  the  oil  of  gladness 
On  our  weak  and  wretched  hearts. 

Give  thy  sacred  breasts  to  heal  us — 

Golden  beam  of  Heaven,  we  pray  ; 

Give  thy  glorious  aid  to  shield  us, — 

Give  thy  Heart  to  be  our  stay.  Amen. 

PRAYER  TO  THE  HOLY  VIRGIN. 

0  Holy  Virgin  !  you  are  my  good  mo¬ 
ther,  and,  by  excellence,  the  mother  of 
pure  love.  You  have  obtained  for  me 
many  favours  during  life  ;  beg  for  me  one 
more,  which  will  crown  all  the  rest — that 
is,  to  love  my  God — to  love  Him  purely — 
to  love  Him  ardently — to  love  Him  con¬ 
stantly,  as  long  as  I  shall  live  on  earth — 
that  1  may  have  the  happiness  to  love  Him 
eternally  with  you  in  heaven.  Amen. 


i 


156 


A  NOVENA  TO  OUR 


A  NOYENA, 

OR  NINE  DAYS*  DEVOTION, 

FOR  THE  FEAST  OF  THE  ANGEL  GUARDIANS. 

0  Pure  and  happy  Spirits  whom  the  Almighty 
selected  to  become  the  angels  and  guardians  of  men  ! 
I  most  humbly  prostrate  before  you,  to  thank  you  for 
the  charity  and  zeal  with  which  you  execute  this 
commission.  Alas  !  how  many  pass  a  long  life, 
without  ever  thanking  that  invisible  friend  to  whom 
they  a  thousand  times  owed  its  preservation  !  0 

charitable  guardians  of  those  souls  for  whom  Christ 
died  !  0  burning  Spirits,  who  cannot  avoid  loving 

those  whom  Jesus  eternally  loved  !  permit  me  to  ad¬ 
dress  you  on  behalf  of  all  those  committed  tq  your 
care,  and  to  implore  for  them  all  in  general  a  grateful 
sense  of  your  many  favours,  and  also  the  grace  to 
profit  of  your  charitable  assistance.  0  Angel  of  those 
happy  infants,  who  as  yet  are  without  spot  before 
God,  (Rev.  xiv.  5,)  preserve  their  innocence,  I  earn¬ 
estly  conjure  you.  Angels  of  youth,  who  are  ex¬ 
posed  to  so  many  dangers,  conduct  them  safely  to 
the  bosom  of  God,  as  Tobias  was  conducted  back  to 
his  father.  Angels  of  those  who  employ  themselves 
in  the  instruction  of  youth !  animate  them  with 
your  zeal  and  love ;  teach  them  to  emulate  your 
purity  and  incessant  view  of  God,  that  they  may 
worthily  and  successfully  co-operate  with  the  in¬ 
visible  guardians  of  their  young  charge.  0  Angels 
of  the  Clergy  xoho  have  the  eternal  Gospel  to  preach 
to  them  that  sit  upon  earth,  (Ibid.  xiv.  6,)  present 
their  words,  their  actions,  and  their  intentions  to 
God,  and  purify  them  in  that  fire  of  love  which  con¬ 
sumes  you.  Angels  of  infidels  whom  the  true  faith 

/ 


ANGEL  GUARDIANS. 


157 


has  never-enlightened  !  intercede  for  them,  that, 
practising  what  they  know,  they  may  at  length  dis¬ 
cover  the  hidden  secrets  of  the  kingdom  of  God.  0 
Angels  of  all  those  who  throughout  the  world  are 
deprived  of  religious  instruction !  open  for  them 
lome  source  of  salvation ;  raise  up  some  one  to 
break  for  them  the  bread  of  the  world.  (Lam.  iv.  4.) 
And  you,  0  Guardian  Angels  of  sinners !  charita¬ 
ble  Guides  of  those  unhappy  mortals,  whoso  perse¬ 
verance  in  sin  would  embitter  even  your  unutter¬ 
able  joys,  were  you  not  established  in  the  peace  of 
God !  0  join  me,  I  ardently  beseech  you,  in  im¬ 

ploring  their  conversion.  Angels  of  all  those  who 
at  this  moment  struggle  in  the  agonies  of  death ! 
strengthen,  encourage,  and  defend  them  against  the 
attacks  of  their  infernal  enemy.  0  faithful  Guides  ! 
holy  Spirits  !  ardent  Adorers  of  the  Divinity  !  Guar¬ 
dian  Angels  of  all  creatures  !  protect  us  all — teach 
us  to  love,  to  pray,  to  combat  on  earth,  and  rather 
obtain  for  us  instant  death,  than  permit  us  to  com¬ 
mit  one  mortal  sin.  Amen. 


GOOD  THOUGHTS. 

FOR  EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK. 

Every  morning  and  evening,  think  on  what  is 
set  down  for  each  day,  and  often  renew  the  same 
good  thought.  This  can  be  easily  done,  either 
working,  walking,  or  standing,  by  overy  class  of 
persons,  whether  labourers,  servants,  or  even  child¬ 
ren. 


SUNDAY. 


0  Glory  everlasting!  What  a  happiness  to  pos- 


158 


GOOD  THOUGHTS,  &C. 

sess  you,  my  Jesus  !  What  a  misfortune  to  lose 
you  by  sin. 

MONDAY. 

Our  last  hour  will  come.  All  will  then  bo  past. 
Oh  !  what  would  I  wish  at  that  timo  I  had  done 
during  health?  Let  us  do  it  now,  my  soul!  let  us 
begin. 

TUESDAY. 

Ah,  my  poor  soul#!  you  must  stand  at  the  judg¬ 
ment  seat  of  God  alone;  your  works,  your  thoughts, 
your  words,  will  be  seen  by  God,  and  all  his  angels 
and  saints ;  all  then  will  be  laid  open. 

WEDNESDAY. 

The  punishment  of  mortal  sin,  is  to  burn  in  hell 
with  devils  for  all  eternity.  This  is  the  reward  for 
drunkenness,  theft,  swearing,  and  impurity.  . 

THURSDAY. 

He  that  loses  his  soul  loses  all.  He  that  offends 
God,  loses  his  soul.  0  sin,  what  a  loss  dost  thou 
bring  on  us  ?  Let  us  detest  it  from  the  bottom  of 
our  hearts. 

FRIDAY 

0  sweet  Jesus,  to  thee  I  consecrate  my  life,  and 
the  desires  of  my  soul.  For  me  you  were  nailed  on 
tho  cross ;  for  your  sake  I  will  abandon  sin,  and 
give  myself  wholly  to  you. 

SATURDAY. 

O  Blessed  Virgin,  how  sincerely  did  you  lcrve 
your  Son  Jesus  !  pray  for  mo,  that  nothing  in  this 
world  may  separate  me  frOm  his  holy  love. 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE. 


159 


A  Prayer  to  obtain  the  grace  of  dying  well. 

i 

0  Lord  Jesus  Christ !  who  didst  die  for  the  salva¬ 
tion  of  the  whole  world,  and  desirest  that  no  one 
should  perish ;  I  beseech  thee,  by  thy  holy  name, 
that  at  the  hour  of  my  death  thou  be  pleased  to 
grant  me  the  perfect  use  of  my  senses,  a  true  sor¬ 
row  for  my  sins,  a  lively  faith,  a  firm  hope,  an  ar¬ 
dent  charity  ;  that  I  may  say  to  thee,  with  a  pure 
heart :  Into  thy  httnds ,  0  Jesus,  1  commend  my 
spirit. 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE 

OF  THE  IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  OF  THE  EVER 
GLORIOUS  AND  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY. 

This  Office  may  be  recited  altogether  ;  but  it  would 
be  far  more  in  the  spirit  of  the  church  to  divide  it 
into  at  least  three  portions — for  example  :  Matins 
and  Lauds  would  be  best  recited  in  the  evening, 
after  four  o’clock,  for  the  following  day.  Prime, 
Terce,  Sext,  and  None,  may  be  said  together  tho 
next  morning,  at  any  time  before  noon.  Vespers  and 
Complin  may  be  said  together  after  twelve  at  noon. 
It  may  be  recited  kneeling,  standing,  walking,  or 
sitting  ;  but  a  kneeling  position  is  preferable,  both 
from  respect  and  the  better  fixing  the  attention. 
This  Office,  like  all  others,  may  be  recited  alone,  or 
in  company  ;  the  latter  is  the  better  method,  as 
being  most  comformable  to  tho  original  institution  of 
the  divine  Office.  When  it  is  recited  in  company, 
one  party  acts  as  leader,  and  begins  every  hour 
with  the  verse,  to  which  tho  other  party  answers  by 
the  response,  and  the  hymns  in  like  manner,  as  they 


1G0 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE  OF 


are  all  divided  into  two  portions.  The  leader  also 
says  the  prayer,  and  the  commendation  at  the  end 
of  Complin. 


AT  MATINS. 

Verse.  Sing,  0  my  lips,  and  joyfully 
proclaim, 

Response.  The  spotless  Virgin’s  praise 
and  glorious  name. 

V.  0  Lady  pure !  extend  thy  gracious 
aid, 

R.  Guard  me  from  all  my  foes,  0  spot¬ 
less  Maid. 

V.  Glory  he  to  the  Father,  &c. 

R.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c. 
Alleluia. 

From  Septuagesima  till  Easter,  instead  of  Alleluia 
is  said,  Praise  be  to  thee,  0  Lord,  King  of  ever¬ 
lasting  glory. 


HYMN. 

Hail,  Lady  of  the  world,  and  Heaven’s  bright  Queen, 
Virgin  of  virgins,  hail,  thou  star  serene  ; 

Thou  who  in  early  morn  to  earth  dost  shine, 

Fill’d  with  celestial  grace,  and  light  divine ; 

0  Lady,  hasten,  and  thine  arm  extend, 

Guard  us  from  sin,  and  from  our  foes  defend. 

Thee  from  eternity,  the  world’s  great  Lord 
Ordained  the  mother  of  his  own  pure  word ; 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY.  161 


That  sole  begotten  Word  by  whom  He  made 
The  Earth  and  Sea,  and  Heaven’s  bright  hosts  ar¬ 
ray’d, 

Th  eo  he  adorn’d  his  Spouse,  and  made  thee  free 
From  Adam’s  sin,  that  stain’d  his  progeny. 

Y.  God  hath  elected  her;  and  pre¬ 
elected  her. 

R.  lie  hath  made  her  dwell  in  his  taber¬ 
nacle. 

Y.  0  Lady,  protect  my  prayer. 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  to  thee. 


LET  US  PRAY. 


Holy  Mary,  Queen  of  Heaven,  Mother 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  Lady  of  the 
world,  who  forsakest  no  one,  and  depisest 
none,  look  upon  me  mercifully  with  thy 
pious  eyes,  and  obtain  for  me  of  thy  be¬ 
loved  Son,  the  pardon  of  all  my  sins  ;  that 
as  I  now  celebrate  with  devout  affection 
thy  holy  and  immaculate  conception,  so  I 
may  hereafter  obtain  the  prize  of  eternal 
happiness,  by  the  grace  of  Him  whom  thou, 
a  Virgin,  didst  bring  forth,  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  lives  and  reigns  one  God  in 
perfect  Trinity,  world  without  end.  Amen, 

V.  0  Lady,  protect  my  prayer. 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  to  thee. 


11 


162 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE  OF 


V.  Let  us  bless  the  Lord. 

R.  Thanks  be  to  God. 

V.  May  the  souls  of  the  faithful  de¬ 
parted,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  rest  in 
peace. 

R.  Amen. 

AT  PRTME. 

Y.  0  Lady  pure  !  extend  thy  gracious 
aid ; 

R.  Guard  me  from  all  my  foes,  0  spot¬ 
less  Maid. 

y.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 

R.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c. 
Alleluia. 

N  HYMN. 

Wise  Virgin,  hail,  Mother  supremely  blest; 

Pure  mansion,  built  for  God's  adopted  rest. 

Thy  seven  fair  columns  hewn  of  noblest  height, 
And  splendid  table  dazzles  human  sight : 

Free  art  thou  from  the  fatal  curse  of  earth, 

Holy  and  pure  before  thy  joyful  birth. 

Thou  Mother  of  the  living !  Jacob’s  star, 

Rising  in  glory  o’er  his  hills  afar  : 

Gate  of  the  Saints,  and  Angels'  glorious  Queen, 
Dreadful  as  mighty  hosts  embattled  seen; 

Dispel  all  terror  from  the  Christian's  breast,. 

Be  thou  our  refuge  and  our  port  of  rest. 

y.  He  hath  created  her  in  the  Holy 
Spirit. 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY.  163 


R.  And  hath  exalted  her  among  all  His 
works. 

V.  0  Lady  !  protect  my  prayer. 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  to  thee. 

Prayer,  Holy  Mary,  as  before,  page  159,  with  the 
same  V.  V.  and  It.  It.  at  the  conclusion. 


AT  TERCE. 

V.  0  Lady  pure  !  extend  thy  gracious 
aid, 

R.  Guard  me  from  all  my  foes,  0  spot-  ’ 
less  Maid. 

V.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 

R.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c. 

.  Alleluia. 

HYMN. 

’  ’  .  / 

Ark  of  the  Covenant,  Solomon’s  rich  throne; 
Rainbow  of  hope  to  trembling  mortals  shown; 

Bush  of  bright  vision,  Aaron’s  flowering  rod, 
Famed  Gideon’s  fleece,  unopened  gate  of  God, 
Sweet  honeycomb  of  Sampson,  pray  that  we, 

A  sweeten’d  odour  to  our  God  may  be. 

0  Virgin  pure  !  how  worthy  of  thy  Son; 

The  eternal  Father’s  sole  begotten  One, 

To  save  his  chosen  mother  from  the  blot. 

Of  Eve’s  infected  race,  the  hapless  lot : 

And  by  a  special  grace  reserved  for  thee, 

From  every  sinful  stain  to  keej)  thee  free. 

Y.  I  dwell  in  the  highest  places. 


164 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE  OF 


R.  And  my  throne  is  a  pillar  of  a  cloud, 
Y.  0  Lady  !  protect  my  prayer, 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  to  thee. 

Prayer,  Holy  Mary,  &c.,  as  before,  page  159. 


AT  SEXT. 

Y.  0  Lady  pure  !  extend  thy  gracious 
aid, 

R.  Guard  me  from  all  my  foes,  0  spot¬ 
less  Maid. 

Y.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &e. 

R.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &o 
Alleluia. 

HYMN. 

Hail,  Virgin  Mother  of  our  gracious  Lord  ! 

And  temple  of  the  Trinity  adored; 

The  Angel’s  joy,  and  purity’s  fair  cell, 

Thou  bringest  comfort  where  the  afflicted  dwell. 
Garden  of  purest  pleasure,  patience  palm; 
Chastity,  cedar,  contrite  sinner’s  balm. 

The  promised  land  art  thou,  the  priestly  lot, 

Holy  and  free  from  sin’s  primeval  blot ; 

City  of  God,  most  high — the  orient  gate, 

The  full  of  every  grace,  we  celebrate  : 

0  Virgin,  singularly  blest  and  pure, 

Beneath  thy  fostering  care  we  rest  secure. 

Y.  As  the  lily  among  thorns, 

R.  So  is  my  beloved  among  the  daugh¬ 
ters  of  Adam. 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY.  165 

V.  0  Lady,  protect  my  prayer, 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  to  thee. 

Prayer,  Iloly  Mary,  Ac.,  as  before,  page  159. 


AT  NONE. 

Y.  0  Lady  pure !  extend  thy  gracious 
aid ; 

R.  Guard  me  from  all  my  foes,  0  spot¬ 
less  Maid. 

V.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.,  &c. 

R.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c.,  &c. 
Alleluia. 

HYMN. 

Hail,  city  of  our  refuge  !  David’s  tower ; 

Adorn’d  with  arras  and  trophies  of  his  power; 
Mother  of  grace  and  clemency  !  to  thee 
The  trembling  sinner  and  the  afflicted  doe. 

In  thy  conception,  fired  with  love’s  pure  flame,  ' 
Tho  dragon-fiend  by  thee  was  put  to  shame. 
Woman  for  valiant  deeds  renown’d  afar, 

As  Judith  unctismay’d  in  tents  of  war; 

The  eternal  Son  was  foster’d  by  thy  care, 

As  aged  David  by  a  virgin  fair. 

Egypt’s  provider  holy  Rachael  bore, 

Thou  gavest  the  world  a  Saviour  to  adore. 

Y.  Thou  art  all  fair  my  beloved ; 

R.  And  the  stain  of  original  sin  was 
never  in  thee. 


366 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE  OF 


Y.  0  Lady  !  protect  my  prayer; 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  to  thee. 

Prayer,  Holy  Mary,  &c.,  as  before,  page  159. 


AT  VESPERS. 

Y.  0  Lady  pure  !  extend  thy  gracious 
aid  ; 

R.  Guard  me  from  all  my  foes,  0  spot¬ 
less  Maid. 

Y.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 

R.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c. 
Alleluia. 


HYMN. 

Dial  of  Achaz  !  on  whose  face  the  sun 

Ten  lines  went  backward  ere  his  lace  was  run, 

All  nature’s  laws  stood  still,  and  own’d  their  Lord; 
Born  of  a  Virgin  pure,  the  incarnate  Word. 

When  God  immense,  less  than  his  angels  made, 
Gain’d  Heaven  for  man,  and  all  his  ransom  paid. 
Around  thee,  Mary,  with  celestial  blaze, 

The  sun  of  justice  sheds  his  glorious  rays. 

Thou  as  the  rising  morn,  didst  mildly  shin 
In  thy  conception  by  his  light  divine; 

The  serpent’s  victor — thee  all  grace  adorns, 

Fair  as  the  moon,  the  lily  among  thorns. 

Y.  I  made  an  unfailing  light  arise  in 
heaven  ; 

R.  And  I  covered  all  the  earth  as  a 
mist. 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MART.  167 


V.  0  Lady  !  protect  my  prayer, 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  thee. 

Prayer,  Holy  Mary,  Ac.,  as  before,  page  159. 


AT  COMPLIN. 

May  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  convert 
us,  0  Lady,  appeased  by  thy  prayers  for 
us. 

R.  And  may  he  turn  away  his  anger 
from  us. 

V.  0  Lady  pure !  extend  thy  gracious 
aid ; 

R.  Guard  me  from  all  my  foes,  0  spot¬ 
less  Maid. 

V.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 

R.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c. 

Alleluia. 


HYMN. 

Powerful  Virgin  !  Mother  far  renownM  ! 

0  beauteous  Queen,  with  stars  of  glory  crown’d, 

All  fair  art  thou,  immaculate  and  chaste, 

Higher  in  glory  than  the  Angels  placed  ; 

In  golden  vesture  privileged  to  stand, 

By  Heaven’s  exalted  throne  on  God’s  right  hand. 
Mother  of  grace  !  sweet  hope  is  found  in  thee, 
Heaven  at  thy  prayer  will  set  the  guilty  free; 

The  ocean’s  guiding  star,  serenely  bright, 

The  port  that  gladdens  the  wrecked  seaman’s  sight, 


168 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE  OF 


Through  thee,  the  open’d  gate,  the  weak  ones’  aid, 
May  we  heaven’s  King  behold,  and  saints  be  made. 
Amen. 

Y.  Thy  name,  0  Mary,  is  as  oil  poured 
out ; 

R.  Thy  servants  have  loved  thee  ex¬ 
ceedingly. 

Prayer,  Holy  Mary,  page  159.  After  which, 

Y.  O  Lady  !  protect  my  prayer, 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  thee  : 
y.  Let  us  bless  the  Lord. 

R.  Thanks  be  to  God. 
y.  May  the  omnipotent  and  mercifwl 
Lord,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  bless 
and  preserve  us.  R.  Amen. 


THE  COMMENDATION. 

To  thee,  Virgin  pious, 
We  humbly  present 
These  hours  canonical 
With  pure  intent. 

Guide  pilgrims  until 
With  Christ  we  meet : 

In  our  agony  aid  us, 

0  Virgin  sweet.  Amen. 

ANTHEM. 


This  is  the  branch,  in  which  was  neither 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MART.  169 


knot  of  original,  nor  bark  of  actual  sin 
found. 

V.  In  thy  conception,  0  Virgin,  thou 
wast  immaculate. 

R.  Pray  unto  the  Father  for  us,  whose 
Son  thou  didst  b^ing  forth. 

LET  US  PRAY. 

0  God,  who  didst  prepare  for  thy  Son  a 
worthy  habitation;  by  the  immaculate  con¬ 
ception  of  the  Virgin  !  we  beseech  thee, 
that  as  thou  didst  preserve  her  from  every 
stain,  by  the  preordained  death  of  thy 
Son,  so  thou  wouldst  grant  that  we  also 
may  come,  without  spot,  to  thee,  through 
the  same  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  who 
lives  and.  reigns  with  thee,  in  the  unity  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

V.  May  the  immaculate  conception  of 
the  blessed  Virgin  Mary 

R.  Re  our  safeguard  and  protection. 
Amen.  »■ 


) 


LITANY  OF  THE  HOLY  ARCHANGELS, 

ST.  MICHAEL,  ST.  GABRIEL,  AND  ST.  RAPHAEL. 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  !  &c .  &c. 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  Creator  of  every  spirit, 
have  mercy  on  us  ! 

God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  World,  on  whom  the 
Angels  desire  to  gaze,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost,  felicity  of  the  blessed  spirits, 
have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God,  glory  of  the  holy  Angels, 
have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Holy  Mary,  empress  of  the  Principalities, 

Holy  Mary,  glory  of  the  Powers, 

Holy  Mary,  strength  of  the  Virtues, 

Holy  Mary,  Queen  of  the  Dominations, 

Holy  Mary,  majesty  of  the  Thrones, 

Holy  Mary,  purity  of  the  Angels, 

Holy  Mary,  joy  of  the  Archangels, 

Holy  Mary,  science  of  the  Cherubim, 

Holy  Mary  fervour  of  the  Seraphim, 

St.  Michael,  prince  of  the  celestial  host, 

Chief  of  the  angels  of  Peace, 

Most  strong  in  combat, 

Conqueror  of  the  ancient  serpent, 

Defender  at  all  times  of  the  people  of  God, 

Who  didst  expel  Lucifer  and  his  confederates 
from  Heaven, 

Who  dost  receive  souls  at  their  departure 
hence,  and  conduct  them  to  Paradise, 

Solace  of  the  faithful, 

Protector  of  those  who  are  devout  to  thee, 

St.  Gabriel,  who  didst  reveal  to  Daniel  divine 
secrets, 

(170) 


PRAYER  TO  ST.  MICHAEL. 


171 


Who  didst  declare  the  birth  and  ministry  of  St.' 
John  Baptist, 

Who  didst  announce  the  Incarnation  of  the 

Word, 

Guardian  of  the  Holy  Virgin, 

Attendant  on  the  Infancy  of  the  Saviour, 

Who  didst  console  Him  in  His  last  agony. 

Faithful  minister  of  Christ, 

St  Raphael,  angel  of  health, 

St.  Raphael,  one  of  the  seven  spirits  who  stand  - 
before  the  Throne, 

Faithful  conductor  of  Tobias, 

Who  didst  compel  the  devils  to  flee, 

Offerer  of  our  prayer  before  the  Lord, 

Curer  of  blindness, 

Helper  in  tribulation, 

Consoler  in  necessities, 

Making  joyful  your  devoted  clients, 

Holy  Michael,  Gabriel  and  Raphael, 

Christ  Jesus,  beatitude  of  the  Angels,  spare  us. 
Christ  Jesus,  glory  of  the  heavenly  spirits,  hear  us. 
Christ  Jesus,  splendour  of  the  celestial  armies,  have 
mercy  on  us. 


PRAYER  TO  ST.  MICnAEL. 

0  God,  who  didst  render  blessed  Michael, 
thy  Archangel,  victorious  over  the  proud 
Lucifer,  and  all  the  wicked  spirits,  we  be¬ 
seech  thee,  that  combating  under  the 
Cross,  and  ever  adopting  his  maxim, 
u  Who  is  like  God,”  we  may  be  victorious 
over  all  our  enemies,  and  delivered  from  all 
impediments  \  regulate  our  lives  according 


Pray  for  us. 


172 


PRAYER  TO  ST.  RAPHAEL. 


to  thy  will  and  commandments.  Through 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.  Amen. 

TO  ST.  GABRIEL. 

0  God,  the  lover  of  the  salvation  of 
mankind,  who  didst  commission  blessed 
Gabriel,  assisting  before  thy  throne,  to 
announce  to  the  ever  glorious  Virgin,  the 
mystery  of  thy  blessed  Son’s  becoming 
man,  we  beseech  thee,  that  recurring  to 
his  intercession,  we  may  be  succoured  in 
all  our  wants,  spiritual  and  temporal. 
Through  Jesus  Christy  our  Lord.  Amen. 

,  « 

TO  ST.  RAPHAEL. 

0  God,  who  in  thy  ineffable  goodness 
hast  rendered  blessed  Raphael  the  con¬ 
ductor  of  thy  faithful  in  their  journeys, 
we  humbly  implore  thee  that  we  may  be 
conducted  by  him  in  the  way  of  salvation, 
and  experience  his  help  in  the  maladies  of 
oursouls.  Through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


LITANY  OF  SS.  PETER  AND  PAUL. 


Lord  have*mercy  on  ns,  Ac.  Ac. 

Holy  Mary,  Queen  of  Apostles, 

St.  Peter,  Pillar  of  the  Church, 

St.  Paul,  Doctor  of  the  Gentiles, 

St.  Peter,  who  left  all  for  Christ, 

St.  Paul,  converted  by  miracle, 

St.  Peter,  confessor  of  the  Divinity  of  Christ, 

St.  Paul,  who  desired  to  become  an  anathema 
for  your  brethren, 

St.  Peter,  who  constantly  lamented  your  denial 
of  Christ, 

St.  Paul,  who  never  lost  the  remembrance  of 
the  divine  mercies, 

St..  Peter,  chief  of  the  sacred  college, 

St.  Paul,  apostle  of  nations, 

St.  Peter,  centre  of  unity, 

St.  Paul,  burning  with  charity, 

St.  Peter,  father  of  the  Faithful, 

St,  Paul,  luminary  of  the  Church, 

St.  Peter,  model  of  apostles, 

St.  Paul,  prince  of  doctors, 

St.  Peter,  vigilant  pastor, 

St.  Paul,  zealous  preacher, 

St.  Peter,  released  from  prison  by  an  Angel, 

St.  Paul,  caught  up  to  the  third  heavens,  and 
heal  ing  unutterable  secrets, 

St.  Peter,  founder  of  the  Holy  Roman  See, 

St.  Paul,  overthrower  of  idolatry, 

St.  Peter,  whom  was  given  the  power  of  the 
keys, 

St.  Paul,  to  whom  was  committed  the  dispensa¬ 
tion  of  the  word. 

St.  Peter,  who  consummated  your  course  by  a 
most  painful  martyrdom, 

St.  Paul,  who  sealed  your  testimony  with  your 
blood,  , 

173) 


Pray  for  us. 


174  LITANY  OF  SS.  PETER  AND  PAUL. 


That  we  always  preserve  inviolate  the  deposit  of 
faith,  we  beseech  you  to  intercede  for  us. 

That  we  may  regulate  our  lives  by  the  holy  doc¬ 
trine  which  we  profess,  we  beseech  thee  to  in¬ 
tercede  for  us. 

That  we  may  truly  repent  of  our  past  sins,  we  be¬ 
seech  thee  to  intercede  for  us. 

That  we  may  count  all  things  as  dross,  so  as  that 
we  gain  Jesus  Christ,  we  beseech  thee  to  inter¬ 
cede  for  us. 

That  we  may  never  glory  but  in  His  Cross,  we  be¬ 
seech  thee  to  intercede  for  us. 

That  neither  life  nor  death,  nor  any  creature  may 
be  able  to  separate  us  from  his  charity,  we  be¬ 
seech  thee  to  intercede  for  us. 

That  we  may  omit  no  opportunity  of  extending  his 
kingdom,  we  beseech  thee  to  intercede  for  us. 

That  serving  him  here  we  may  possess  him  in 
eternity,  we  beseech  thee  to  intercede  for  us. 
Lamb  of  God,  <&c.  &c. 

V.  Pray  for  us  glorious  apostles,  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul. 

0 

JR.  That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of 
the  promises  of  Christ. 

PRAYER. 

0  God  !  whose  right  hand  saved  blessed 
Peter  from  the  sea,  and  delivered  St.  Paul, 
his  fellow  apostle,  when  a  third  time  ship¬ 
wrecked  )  mercifully  grant  that  by  the 
merits  and  intercession  of  both  we  may 
arrive  at  a  happy  eternity.  Through 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord,  thy  Son,  &c. 
Amen. 


LITANY  OF  ST.  ELIZABETH  OF  HUNGARY. 


Lord,  have  mercy,  <fcc. 

Holy  Mary,  Mother  of  Mercy, 

Dear  St.  Elizabeth,  mother  of  the  poor, 

St.  Elizabeth,  fearing  God  from  your  infancy, 
St.  Elizabeth,  fervent  worshipper  of  God. 

St.  Elizabeth,  devout  and  much  loved  disciple 
of  Jesus  Christ, 

St.  Elizabeth,  imitatrix  of  the  blessed  Francis, 
St.  Elizabeth,  noble  in  faith  and  descent, 

St.  Elizabeth,  devoted  to  all  pious  exercises, 

St.  Elizabeth,  spending  your  night3  in  prayer 
and  contemplation, 

St.  Elizabeth,  often  consoled  with  divine  visions, 
St.  Elizabeth,  amiable  to  God  and  man, 

St.  Elizabeth,  admirable  in  your  contempt  of 
the  world, 

St.  Elizabeth,  model  of  chastity,  poverty,  and 
obedience, 

St.  Elizabeth,  solace  of  married  persons, 

St.  Elizabeth,  mirror  of  widows, 

St.  Elizabeth,  pattern  of  humility  and  penance, 
St.  Elizabeth,  wonderful  in  meekness, 

St.  Elizabeth,  despising  the  delights  of  your 
kingly  father’s  house, 

St.  Elizabeth,  lover  of  the  cross  of  Christ, 

St.  Elizabeth,  light  of  pious  women, 

St.  Elizabeth,  perpetually  intent  on  works  of 
mercy, 

St.  Elizabeth,  nurse  of  orphans, 

St.  Elizabeth,  consoler  of  all  the  afflicted, 

St.  Elizabeth,  devoting  all  your  energies  to 
Christ’s  poor, 

St.  Elizabeth,  subjected  to  injuries  and  con¬ 
tempt, 

(175) 


Pray  for  us. 


176  LITANY  OF  ST.  ELIZABETH. 


St.  Elizabeth,  destitute  of  your  friends’  assist¬ 
ance, 

St.  Elizabeth,  most  patient  in  adversity, 

St.  Elizabeth,  who  wrought  linen,  and  wool  to 
clothe  the  poor, 

St.  Elizabeth,  provider  for  the  sick  and  travel¬ 
lers, 

St.  Elizabeth,  assisting  all  the  distressed, 

St.  Elizabeth,  formidable  to  the  devils, 

St.  Elizabeth,  example  of  high  perfection, 

St.  Elizabeth,  obtaining  the  conversion  of  the 
vain  and  dissolute, 

St.  Elizabeth,  consoled  at  your  decease  by 
angelical  harmony, 

St.  Elizabeth,  eminent  for  miracles  in  life  and 
death, 

St.  Elizabeth,  most  charitable  to  those  devout 
to  you, 

St.  Elizabeth,  enjoying  eternal  felicity 
Lamb  of  God,  <fcc.  J 

V.  Pray  for  us,  St.  Elizabeth. 

R.  That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the 
promises  of  Christ. ' 

PRAYER. 

Mercifully  illumine,  0  Lord,  the  hearts 
of  thy  faithful,  and  grant  us,  through  the 
glorious  merits  of  St.  Elizabeth,  to  despise 
worldly  joys,  and  to  delight  always  in  such 
as  are  celestial.  Through  Jesus  Christ, 
thy  Son,  our  Lord.  Amen. 


An  exquisite  Effusion  of  a  celebrated  French  Poet  to 

a  Lamp  suspended  before  the  Holy  Tabernacle. 

“Pale  Lamp  of  the-  Sanctuary!  why  in  the  oo- 
seurity  of  the  holy  place,  unperceived  and  solitary 
eonsumest  thou  thyself  before  God?  It  is  not  to 
direct  the  wing  of  prayer  or  of  love  to  give  light, 
feeble  spark  !  to  the  eye  of  Him  who  made  the  day. 
It  is  not  to  dispel  darkness  from  the  steps  of  his 
adorers.  The  vast  light  is  only  more  obscure  before 
thy  distant  glimmering;  and  yet,  symbolic  lamp! 
thou  guardest  thy  immortal  fire,  and  under  the 
breeze  of  bassilicas  thou  dost  flicker  before  every 
altar  ;*  and  mine  eyes  love  to  rest  suspended  upon 
this  aerial  hearth,  and  I  say  to  them  whom  I  com¬ 
prehend  not;  ye  pious  flames!  ye  do  well.  Per¬ 
haps  bright  particles  of  the  immense  creation,  they 
imitate  before  His  throne  the  eternal  adoration.  It. 
x 8  thus,  say  I  to  my  soul,  that  from  the  shade  of  this 
loioer  place  thou  burnest ,  a  fame  invisible  in  the  pre¬ 
sence  of  thy  God  ?  In  the  night  of  the  sensible 
world,  I  feel  that  there  is  a  point  inaccessible  to  the 
obscurity  of  earth — a  dawn  on  the  hills  which  will 
watch  all  night  long — a  star  which  never  sets — a 
fire  which  remains  uuextinguished,  unconsumed,  in 
which  inconse  can  at  all  times  be  enkindled  to 
ascend  in  fragrance  to  Heaven.” 

*  Alas !  that  we  cannot  here  understand  the  Poet  lite¬ 
rally,  and  that  before  every  altar  in  the  universe,  but,  above 
all  in  our  own  Catholic  Ireland,  “the  unextinguishable 
fire”  were  lighted  up.  We  would  fain  express  a  hope  that  the 
lire  of  holy  zeal  were  soon  enkindled  in  the  hearts  of  many 
who  could  offer  this  little  tribute  of  faith  and  love  to  their 
annihilated  God,  living  for  them  a  mystic  life  in  Ilis  ever 
Holy  Sacrament.  Hut  where  such  an  offering  is  made,  the 
lamp  should  be  kept  burning  perpetually,  and  not  as  in 
some  churches  extinguished  at  the  very  time  in  which  it  is 
most  wanted — the  time  of  night — when  Jesus  Christ  is  left 
alone,  surrounded  by  none  but  his  angels. 


12 


LITANY  OF  ST.  CATHERINE  OF  SIENNA. 


Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Christ,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

God  the  Father,  source  of  all  existence,  have  mercy 
on  us  ! 

God  the  Son,  begotten  of  the  Father,  have  mercy 
on  us  ! 

God  the  Holy  Ghost,  proceeding  from  the  Father 
and  the  Son,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Holy  Mary,  mother  of  God,  and  our  mother, 

St.  Catherine  of  Sienna, 

St.  Catherine,  adorned  with  singular  graces 
from  your  infancy, 

St.  Catherine,  special  favourite  of  heaven  in 
your  tenderest  years, 

St.  Catherine,  chaste  spouse  of  Jesus  Christ, 

St.  Catherine,  ardent  lover  of  the  Son  of  God, 

St.  Catherine,  instructed  when  a  little  one  by 
the  Holy  Ghost, 

St.  Catherine,  contemplative  soul, 

St.  Catherine,  enemy  of  vanity, 

St.  Catherine,  vanquisher  of  the  evil  one, 

St.  Catherine,  rigidly  austere, 

St.  Catherine,  crucifier  of  the  flesh, 

St.  Carherine,  follower  of  the  Cross, 

St.  Catherine,  eldest  daughter  of  St.  Dominick, 

St.  Catherine,  model  of  religious, 

St.  Catherine,  profoundly  humble 
St.  Catherine,  angelically  pure, 

St.  Catherine,  perfectly  obedient, 

St.  Catherine,  heroically  patient, 

St.  Catherine,  most  compassionate  and  bounti¬ 
ful  to  the  poor, 

St.  Catherine,  powerful  in  converting  souls, 


Prarj  for  us. 


LITANY  OF  ST.  CATHERINE.  179 


St  Catherine,  intercessor  for  sinners  at  the' 
Throne  of  the  Most  High, 

St.  Catherine,  angel  of  peaco, 

St.  Catherine,  zealous  for  the  glory  of  God, 

St.  Catherine,  guide  of  interior  souls, 

St.  Catherine,  devoted  to  the  Divine  Provi¬ 
dence, 

St.  Catherine,  special  favourite  of  the  Holy 
Virgin, 

St.  Catherine,  incessant  adorer  of  the  Holy 
Sacrament, 

St  Catherine  impressed  with  the  sacred  stigmas 
of  Christ  crucified. 

St.  Catherine,  whose  great  attrait  was  His  Holy 
Passion, 

St.  Catherine,  drawing  waters  in  joy  from  these 
fountains  of  the  Saviour, 

St.  Catherine,  entirely  devoted  to  the  Sacred 
Heart  of  Jesus, 

St.  Catherine,  endowed  with  the  spirit  of  pro¬ 
phecy, 

St.  Catherine,  replenished  with  celestial  gifts, 

St.  Catherine,  reigning  with  Christ  in  glory, 
Lamb  of  God !  &c. 


Ant.  The  zeal  of  thy  house  has  eaten 
me  up,  and  the  affronts  of  those  who  af¬ 
fronted  thee,  fell  upon  me. 

V.  Pray  for  us,  glorious  St.  Catherine. 

11.  That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the 
premises  of  Christ. 


PRAYER. 

Grant,  0  Lord !  that  we  who  honour 
our  blessed  Catherine,  thy  Virgin,  may, 


Pray  for  us. 


180  LITANY  OP  ST.  BRIDGET. 


through  her  intercession,  profit  by  the  ex¬ 
ample  of  her  eminent  virtues:  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee,  one  God,  world 
without  end.  Amen. 


AN  IMPROVED  LITANY  OF  ST.  BRIDGET. 

ATRONESS  OP  IRELAND. 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Christ,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us ! 

Christ,  hear  us  ! 

Christ,  graciously  hear  us  ! 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy  on  us! 

God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  World,  have  mercy 
On  us ! 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Holy  Trinity,  one  only  God,  have  mercy  on  us! 
Holy  Mary,  Queen  of  Virgins, 

St.  Bridget,  patroness  of  Ireland, 

St.  Bridget,  as  your  name  implies,  shining  light 
of  virtue  and  sanctity, 

St.  Bridget,  consecrated  spouse  of  Jesus  Christ, 

St.  Bridget,  corner  stone  of  the  monastic  insti¬ 
tute  in  the  Island  of  Saints, 

St.  Bridget,  great  model  of  Irish  virgins, 

St.  Bridget,  mother  of  religious, 

St.  Bridget,  pattern  of  religious  perfection, 

St.  Bridget,  intercessor  for  the  Irish  Church, 

St.  Bridget,  mediatrix  for  the  Irish  n  ition, 

St.  Bridget,  protectress  of  the  holy  faith  planted 
by  St.  Patrick, 

St.  Bridget,  enjoying  with  him  the  clear  vision 
of  God, 

Lamb  of  God,  &c. 


Pray  for  us. 


LITANY  OF  THE  IRISH  SAINTS.  181 

Pray  for  us,  glorious  St.  Bridget, 

That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the 
.  promises  of  Christ. 

PRAYER. 

0  God,  who  dost  rejoice  us  on  this  day, 
by  the  festival  of  blessed  St.  Bridget,  thy 
Virgin,  mercifully  grant  that  we  may  be 
assisted  by  her  merits,  by  whose  chastity 
we  are  illumined.  Through  Jesus  Christ, 
thy  Son,  our  Lord.  Amen. 


LITANY  OF  THE  IRISH  SAINTS. 

To  implore  their  protection  in  all  our  wants,  hut 
particularly  for  the  existing  necessities  of  the 
Church  in  Ireland. 

A.  M.  D.  G. 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us ! 

Christ,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us ! 

Christ,  hear  us ! 

Christ,  graciously  hear  us  ! 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  World,  have  mercy 
on  us  ! 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost,  Sanctifier  of  the  Elect,  have 
mercy  on  us  ! 

Holy  Trinity,  fine  only  God,  have  mercy  on  usl 


182  LITANY  OF  THE  IRISH  SAINTS. 

v 

Iloly  Mary,  Patroness  of  Ireland,  \ 

Holy  Angels,  Guardians  of  Ireland, 

Glorious  St.  Patrick,  Apostle  of  Ireland, 

St.  Malachy, 

St.  Otteran, 

St,  Carthagus, 

St.  Declan, 

St.  Columban, 

St.  Laurence, 

St.  Albertus, 

St.  Kevin, 

St.  Finbar, 

St.  Virgilius, 

St.  Frigidianus, 

St.  Kilian, 

St.  Rurnold, 

St.  Cataldus,  ® 

St.  Flannan, 

St,  Brendan, 

St.  Fintan, 

St.  Aidan, 

St.  Fiacre, 

St.  Fursey, 

St.  Rupert, 

St.  Donatus, 

St.  Audoen, 

St.  Michan, 

St.  Column, 

St.  Livin,  - 
St.  Columba, 

St.  Gall, 

St.  Canice, 

St.  Albans, 

St.  Kyrnn, 

St.  Jarlath, 

St.  Congallus, 

St.  Macartin, 

St.  Bridget, 

St.  Dyrnpna, 

St.  Ico, 


Pray  for  us. 


LITANY  OF  THE  IRISH  SAINTS.  183 


All  yo  holy  saints  of  the  Irish  nation,  make  in-' 
tercession  for  us, 

That  thou,  0  Lord,  wouldst  vouchsafe  to  pre¬ 
serve  among  us  pure  and  inviolate  the  faith 
“  once  delivered”  by  St.  Patrick, 

That  thou  wouldst  vouchsafe  to  grant  unanimity 
of  sentiment  and  opinion  to  our  prelates  and 
pastors, 

That  thou  wouldst  vouchsafe  to  increase  among 
us  the  fervour  of  the  just  and  convert  the  }• 
sinners, 

That  thou  wouldst  vouchsafe  to  alleviate  our 
sufferings,  and  grant  us  patience  in  our 
trials, 

That  thou  wouldst  vouchsafe  to  bless  and  pro¬ 
tect  the  children  of  St.  Patrick  in  life  and 
death, 

That  thou  wouldst  vouchsafe  to  conduct  them 
in  triumph  to  thy  heavenly  kingdom, 

Lamb  of  God,  &>c. 


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PRAYER. 

0  Lord  God  of  infinite  goodness  and 
mercy,  who  with  the  faith  didst  plant 
among  us  the  true  spirit  of  Joseph,  and 
propagate  it  abundantly  for  ages,  we  hum¬ 
bly  beseech  that  being  “  the  children  of 
the  saints/’  we  may  never  degenerate  from 
their  noble  sentiments  and  holy  example; 
but  through  their  powerful  intercession, 
ever  walk  on  worthily  of  the  vocation  to 
which  we  have  been  called.  Through 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.  Amen. 


LITANY  OF  ST.  MARY  MAGDALEN. 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us,  <fcc. 

Holy  Mary,  refuge  of  penitent  sinners, 

St.  Mary  Magdalen, 

Conquest  of  divine  grace, 

Model  of  true  penitents. 

Monument  of  the  sacred  tenderness  of  Jesus, 

Victim  of  holy  compunction, 

Ardent  lover  of  the  Son  of  God, 

Hostess  of  Jesus  Christ, 

Attentive  to  his  divine  word, 

Most  dear  to  his  Sacred  Heart, 

Choser  of  the  better  part, 

Seeker  of  the  one  thing  necessary, 

Example  of  austerity, 

Pattern  of  mortification, 

Glorying  in  the  Cross  of  Christ, 

Companion  of  his  holy  mother, 

Dwelling  in  the  holes  of  the  rock, 

Drawing  waters  in  joy  from  the  fountains  of 
the  Saviour, 

More  courageous  than  the  Apostles, 

More  fervent  than  the  martyrs, 

More  faithful  than  the  virgins, 

Associated  with  the  Angels, 

Ant.  Many  waters  cannot  quench  char¬ 
ity  ;  neither  can  floods  drown  it.  Though 
a  man  should  give  all  he  is  worth  for  love, 
he  would  despise  it  as  nothing. 

Pray  for  us,  glorious  St.  Mary  Mag¬ 
dalen, 

That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the 
promises  of  Christ. 

(184) 


LITANY  OF  ALPHONSUS  RODRIGUEZ.  185 


I 


PRAYER 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  that 
we  may  be  assisted  by  the  prayers  of 
blessed  Mary  Magdalen,  at  whose  prayers 
thou  didst  raise  Lazarus  from  the  dead 
after  he  had  been  four  days  buried. 
Through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  world  without 
end.  Amen. 


_  l 

LITANY  OF  B.  ALPHONSUS  RODRIGUEZ. 

Whose  feast  is  solemnized  by  the  Jesuits  on  the  30 th 
or  31st  of  October. 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Christ,  have  mercy  on  us ! 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  ! 

Christ,  hear  us ! 

Christ,  graciously  hear  us! 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy  on  us ! 

God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  World,  have  mercy 
on  us ! 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost,  have  mercy  on  us! 

Holy  Trinity,  one  only  God,  have  mercy  on  us ! 
Holy  and  immaculate  Mary, 

St.  Ignatius, 

Blessed  Alphonsus  Rodriguez, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  obedient  man,  who  speak- 

est  victories, 


Pray,  due. 


186 


LITANY  OF 

t 


Blessed  Alphonsus,  who  didst  walk  before  or  ini 
the  presence,  of  God. 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  faithful  companion  of  Jesus, 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  perfect  imitator  of  Jesus, 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  most  pious  adorer  of  Jesus 
in  the  Holy  Eucharist, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  cherished  child  of  Mary, 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  most  devoted  servant  of 
Mary, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  contemner  of  worldly  de¬ 
lights, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  most  wise  by  the  folly  of 
the  cross, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  most  high  by  the  abnega¬ 
tion  of  your  own  will, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  most  rich  by  the  mortifica¬ 
tion  of  your  own  desires, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  lover  of  holy  poverty. 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  signal  in  chastity, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  model  of  humility, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  admirable  by  your  abase¬ 
ment, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  endowed  with  sublime 
contemplation, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  assiduous  in  the  exercise  of 
prayer, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  indefatigable  in  the  chastise¬ 
ment  of  your  body, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  consumed  with  zeal  for 
souls, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  master  of  the  apostolic 
virtue^, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  mirror  of  religious  dis¬ 
cipline, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  vanquisher  of  devils, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  ornament  of  the  Society  of 
Jesus, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  protector  of  the  humble  of 
heart, 


2* 


BLESSED  ALPHONSUS  RODRIGUEZ.  187 


Blessed  Alphonsus,  hope  of  those  who  invoke 
you, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  terrible  to  hell, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  illustrious  by  your  miracles, 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  inscribed  among  the  elect. 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  enjoying  the  glory  of  the 
saints, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  most  powerful  in  Heaven, 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  prophet  in  faith  and  spirit, 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  apostle  by  your  prayers, 

Blessed  Alphonsus,  martyr  by  your  patience, 
Blessed  Alphonsus,  confessor  by  your  works, 

Lamb  of  God,  &c. 

Pray  for  us,  Blessed  Alphonsus  Kod- 
riguez. 

That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the 
promises  of  Christ. 

PRAYER. 

0  God  !  strength  of  the  weak,  and  ex¬ 
altation  of  the  humble,  who  hast  by  con¬ 
tinual  mortification  and  profound  humility 
rendered  blessed  Alphonsus  illustrious, 
grant  that  crucifying  the  flesh  and  humbly 
following  Jesus  Christ  after  his  example, 
we  may  obtain  eternal  life.  Through  the 
game  Jesus  Christ,  thy  son,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


A.  M.  D.  G. 


FOR  CHRISTMAS. 


Jesus  in  his  Incarnation  and  Nativity. 

u  The  Lord  is  ‘little,’  and  exceedingly  'amiable/ 
Whensoever  I  look  upon  thee  in  the  bosom  of  thy 
mother,  divine  Jesus  ! — whether  hidden  in  her 
womb,  or  clasped  in  her  embrace — my  soul  exults 
for  joy,  and  in  the  fulness  of  my  heart,  I  do  not 
cease  exclaiming  :  “  The  Lord  is  ‘  little  ’  and  ‘  ex¬ 
ceedingly  amiable!’ ”  Exceedingly  amiable  art 
thou  in  the  womb  of  thy  most  sweet  mother ;  for 
there  thou  thinkest  of  me — there  thou  lovest  me — 
there  thou  prayest  for  mo — there  thou  dost  recon¬ 
cile  me  with  thy  Father — there  thou  dost  ask  for  my 
heart — there  thou  dost  give  me  thine — there  for 
nine  months  thou  remainest  enclosed,  the  captive 
of  my  love. 

But  say,  I  entreat  you,  my  Prisoner  !  tell  me, 
thou  captive  of  my  love  !  why  thou  art  so  long 
hidden?  I  know,  0  most  amiable  Jesus!  I  know 
what  thou  art  doing  there.  There  thou  art  forming 
thyself  to  my  “image  and  likeness.”  Thou  formest 
to  thyself  eyes,  to  look  upon  me  benignly — thou 
formest  to  thyself  ears,  that  thou  mightest  patiently 
hear  me — thou  formest  to  thyself  lips,  that  they 
may  “distil  myrrh” — thou  formest  a  tongue,  to  teach 
me — -feet,  to  come  to  me — hands,  to  benefit  me — 
arms,  to  embrace  me — hisses,  to  kiss  me — a  heart,  to 
burn  for  me — blood,  to  shed  it  for  me.  In  fine, 
thou  formest  a  body,  to  immolate  it  for  me  one  day 
on  the  altar  of  the  cross.  “  The  Lord  is  ‘  little ,’ 
and  '  exceedingly  amiable.’  ” 

Thou  art  exceedingly  amiable  on  the  lap  of  thy 


♦  FOR  CHRISTMAS. 


1&9 


most  sweet  parent.  Wheresoever  I  behold  thee, 
there  I  see  all  benignity,  all  beauty,  all  sweetness, 
all  delights!  0  sweetest,  dearest,  and  most  amiable 
Babe  !  My  life  !  my  delight!  my  love  !  ray  Jesus  ! 
Shall  I  therefore  remain  gazing  upon  thee  in  thy 
mother’s  bosom?  There  thou  liest—  there  thou  re- 
posest — there  thou  feedest,  among  the  lilies.  “Who 
shall  give  thee  to  me  as  a  brother,  sucking  the  paps 
of  my  mother,”  that  I  may  find  thee,  that  I  may 
see  thee,  that  I  may  kiss  thee,  that  I  may  proclaim 
to  all,  “  the  Lord  is  ‘  little ,’  and  exceedingly 
amiable.” 

What  else  can  be  said  of  Him  ?  “  My  spirit  ex¬ 

ults  in  God  my  Saviour.”  In  the  virgin’s  womb 
thou  art  made  my  flesh ;  in  the  Nativity,  my  little 
brother;  at  the  Circumcision,  my  Saviour;  at  thy 
Presentation,  my  victim ;  at  the  Epiphany,  my 
King  and  my  God.  0  Jesus!  thou  art  amiable  in 
the  bosom  of  thy  Father,  but  amiable  too  in  the 
womb  of  thy  mother.  In  the  bosom  of  the  Father, 
thou  didst  create  me  to  thy  resemblance :  in  the 
womb  of  thy  mother,  thou  formest  thyself  to  mine. 
In  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  thou  didst  “  create  for 
me  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  all  that  thou 
hast  made ;”  in  the  wonb  of  thy  mother,  thou  didst 
make  thyself  (man)  for  me.  In  the  bosom  of  the 
Father,  thou  didst  extract  me  from  nothing;  in  the 
womb  of  thy  mother,  thou  didst  draw  me  from  hell. 
In  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  thou  didst  form  me;  in 
the  womb  of  thy  mother,  thou  didst  reform  me.  Tell 
me,  0  Angels !  say,  0  man  !  what  do  you  think  of 
my  Christ  ?  whether  is  he  more  amiable  in  the  bosom 
of  his  Father,  than  in  the  womb  of  his  mother?  I 
will  tell  what  I  think,  and  tell  it  boldly  :  In  the 
bosom  of  the  Father,  “  the  Lord  is  great  and  ex¬ 
ceedingly  laudable;”  in  the  womb  of  his  mother, 
“  the  Lord  is  ‘  little ,’  and  exceedingly  amiable.” 

Laus  Jesus  et  Beatuo  Maria. 


190 


HYMNS. 


THE  HYMN'. 

0  saving  vic  tim,  pledge  of  love  ! 

Who  open’st  the  heavenly  gates  above. 
By  hostile  wars  we  are  oppress’d, 

Be  thou  our  force,  support,  and  rest. 

To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

And  holy  Spirit,  three  in  one, 

Be  endless  praise :  may  he  abovo, 

With  life  immortal,  crown  our  love. 


mn£. 

THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LORD. 

With  hearts  truly  grateful. 

Come,  all  ye  faithful, 

To  Jesus,  to  Jesus  in  Bethlehem. 

See  Christ  your  Saviour, 

Heaven’s  greatest  favour. 

Let’s  hasten  to  adore  him. 

Let’s  hasten  to  adore  him, 

Let’s  hasten  to  adore  him — 

Our  God  and  King. 

trod  to  God  equal, 

Light  of  Light  eternal; 

Carried  in  virgin’s  ever  spotless  womb; 

He  all  preceded. 

Begotten,  not  created. 

Let’s  hasten,  &c. 

Angels  now  praise  him, 

Loud  their  voices  raising ; 

Tho  heavenly  mansions  with  joy  now  ring; 
To  him  who’s  most  holy, 

Be  honour,  praise  and  glory. 

Let’s  hasten,  &g. 


IIYMNS. 


191 


To  Jesus,  this  day  born, 

Grateful  homage  return  ; 

’Tis  he  who  all  heavenly  gifts  does  bring; 
Word  in  created, 

To  our  flesh  united. 

Let’s  hasten,  Ac. 

We,  joyfully  singing, 

Grateful  tributes  bringing. 

Praise  him  and  bless  him  in  heavenly  hymns 
Angels  implore  him, 

Seraphs  fall  before  him, 

Then  e’er  let  us  adore  him — 

Our  God  and  King. 


FOR  COMMUNION. 

0  what  could  my  Jesus  do  more, 

Or  what  greater  blessing  impart, 

0  silence,  my  soul,  and  Adore, 

And  press  him  still  near  to  thy  heart. 

’Tis  here  from  my  labors  I’ll  rest, 

Since  he  makes  my  poor  heart  his  abode; 

To  him  all  my  cares  I’ll  address, 

And  speak  to  the  heart  of  my  God. 

For  life  and  for  death  thou  art  mine, 

My  Saviour,  I’m  seal’d  with  Thy  blood; 

Till  eternity  on  me  doth  shine. 

I’ll  feed  on  the  flesh  of  my  God. 

In  Jesus  triumphant  I  live — 

In  Jesus  exultingly  die — 

The  terrors  of  dea  th  calmly  brave, 

In  his  bosom  breathe  out  my  last  sigh. 


192 


HYMNS. 


HOLY  mary!  mother  mild. 

Holy  Mary  !  Mother  mild ! 

Hear !  0  hear  a  feeble  child, 

"Who  on  life’s  tempestuous  sea  * 

Is  cast  alone:  0  succour  me  ! 

Waves  of  sorrow  o’er  me  roll ! 

Storms  of  passion  shake  my  soul 
Dangers  press  on  every  side  ! 

Star  of  Ocean,  be  my  guide. 

Brightest  in  the  courts  above  ! 

Joy  of  angels  !  Queen  of  love  ! 

Comfort  of  the  sorrowing  !  hear  ! 

And  grief  and  tears  will  disappear. 

Throned  in  majesty  and  might, 

In  the  realms  of  fadeless  light, 

Maiden  Mother  !  hear  our  prayer, 

Prove  to  us  thy  loving  care. 

Mother  of  our  Saviour  God, 

Guide  us  in  the  path  He  trod, 

Till  to  thy  children  it  be  given, 

To  bless,  with  thee,  his  name  in  heaven. 


SOUND  THE  LOUD  TIMBREL. 

Sound  the  loud  timbrel  o’er  Egypt’s  dark  sea! 
Jehovah  has  triumph’d,  his  people  are  free ! 

Sing,  for  the  pride  of  the  tyrant  is  broken, 

His  chariots,  his  horsemen,  all  splendid  and  brave ! 
How  vain  was  their  boasting,  the  Lord  hath  but 
spoken, 

And  chariots  and  horsemen  are  sunk  in  the  wave ! 


HYMNS. 


193  * 


Praise  to  the  Conqueror,  praise  to  the  Lord, 

His  word  was  our  arrow,  his  breath  was  our  sword! 
Who  shall  return  to  tell  Egypt  the  story, 

Of  those  she  sent  forth  in  the  hour  of  her  pride  ! 

For  the  Lord  hath  looked  out  from  his  pillar  of  glory, 
And  all  her  brave  thousands  are  dash’d  in  the  tide. 
Sound  the  loud  timbrel  o’er  Egypt’s  dark  sea, 
Jehovah  has  triumph’d,  his  people  are  free  ! 


HYMN  FOR  LENT,  Ac. 

Saviour,  when  in  dust  to  Thee 
Low  we  bow  th’  adoring  knee ; 

When  repentant  to  the  skies, 

Scarce  we  lift  our  streaming  eyes; 

Oh  !  by  all  the  pains  and  wo. 

Suffered  once  for  man  below, 

Bending  from  thy  throne  on  high. 
Hear  our  solemn  Litany  ! 

Hear  our  solemn  Litany  ! 

By  Thy  birth  and  early  years, 

By  Thy  human  griefs  and  fears, 

By  Thy  fasting  and  distress, 

In  the  lonely  wilderuess, 

By  Thy  victory  in  the  hour 
Of  the  subtle  tempter’s  power, 

Jesus  !  look  with  pitying  eye, 

Hear  our  solemn  Litany! 

Hear  our  solemn  Litany  ! 

i  ■ 

By  Thine  hour  of  dark  despair, 

I  y  Thine  agony  of  prayer, 

By  the  purple  l'obe  of  scorn, 

By  Thy  wounds,  Thy  crown  of  thorn, 

18 


194 


HYMNS. 


By  Thy  cross,  Thy  pangs  and  crios, 
By  Thy  perfect  sacrifice, 

Jesus!  look  with  pitying  eye, 

Hear  our  solemn  Litany  ! 

Hear  our  solemn  Litany  ! 

By  Thy  deep  expiring  groan, 

By  Thy  seal’d  sepulchral  stone, 

By  Thy  triumph  o’er  the  grave, 

By  Thy  power  from  death  to  save ; 
Mighty  God  !  ascended  Lord  ! 

To  Thy  throne  in  heaven  restored, 
Prince  and  Saviour,  hear  our  cry, 
Hear  our  solemn  Litany  ! 

Hoar  our  solemn  Litany  ! 


HYMN  TO  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN.. 

Fading,  still  fading,  the  last  beam  is  shining,* 

Ave  Maria  !  day  is  declining  : 

Safety  and  innocence  fly  with  the  light. 

Temptation  and  danger-walk  forth  in  the  night; 
From  the  fall  of  the  shade,  till  the  matin  shall 
chime, 

Shield  us  from  danger  and  save  us  from  crime. 

Ave  Maria!  Audi  nos. 

Ave  Maria  !  oh  hear  when  we  call  ; 

Mother  of  Him,  who  is  Saviour  of  all !  ■ 

Feeble  and  fearing,  we  trust  in  thy  might, 

In  doubting  and  darkness,  thy  love  be  our 
light: 

Lot  U3  sleep  on  thy  breast  while  the  night  taper 
burns, 

And  wake  in  thine  arms  when  the  morning  returns, 
Avo  Marie  1  Audi  nos. 


HYMNS. 


195 


VENI,  CREATOR,  SPIRITUS. 

Spirit,  creator  of  mankind ! 

Come  visit  ev’ry  pious  mind. 

And  sweetly  let  thy  graco  invade 

Our  hearts,  0  Lord!  which  thou  hast  made. 

Thou  art  the  Comforter  whom  all 
Gift  of  the  highest  God  must  call, 

The  living  fountain,  fire  and  love; 

The  ghostly  unction  from  above. 

God’s  sacred  finger  which  ilnparts, 

A  sev’nfold  grace  to  faithful  hearts ; 

Thou  art  the  Father’s  promise,  whence 
We  language  have,  and  eloquence. 

Enlighten,  Lord !  our  souls,  and  grant 
That  we  thy  love  may  never  want; 

Lot  not  our  virtue  ever  fail, 

But  strengthen  what  in  flesh  is  frail. 

Chase  from  our  minds  th’  infernal  foe, 

And  peace,  the  fruit  of  love,  bestow  : 

And  lest  our  feet  should  step  astray. 

Protect  and  guide  us  in  the  way. 

Make  us  eternal  truths  receive, 

And  practise  all  that  we  believe. 

Give  us  thyself  that  we  may  see, 

The  Father  and  the  Son  in  thee.  ** 

Immortal  honour,  endless  fame, 

Attend  th’  Almighty  Father’s  name; 

To  the  Son  equal  praises  be. 

And  holy  Paraclete,  to  thee. 


196  HYMNS. 

ASPIRATIONS  TO  JESUS  IN  THE  BLESSED  SACRAMENT. 

My  God,  my  life,  my  love, 

To  Thee,  to  Thee  I  call ; 

0  come  to  me  from  heaven  above, 

And  bo  my  God,  my  All. 

My  faith  beholds  Thee,  Lord! 

Concealed  in  human  food ; 

My  senses  fail,  but  in  Thy  word, 

1  I  trust  and  find  my  God. 

0  when  wilt  thou  be  mine, 

Sweet  lover  of  my  soul ; 

My  Jesus  dear,  my  king  divine, 

Come  o’er  my  heart  to  rule. 

0  !  come  and  fix  Thy  throne, 

In  the  midst  of  my  heart, 

0!  make  it  burn  for  Thee  alone, 

And  from  me  ne’er  depart. 

Begone  ye,  from  my  mind, 

Vain,  childish,  earthly  toys; 

In  my  Jesus,  alone  I  find 
True  pleasures,  solid  joys. 


COME,  HOLY  GHOST. 

Come  Holy  Ghost,  send  down  those  boams, 
Come  Holy  Ghost,  send  down  those  beams, 
Which  sweetly  flow  in  silent  streams 
From  thy  bright  throne  above. 

0  Come,  Thou  Father  of  the  Poor! 

Thou  bounteous  source  of  all  our  store! 

Come  warm  our  hearts  with  love,  with  love  divine, 
Come  warm  our  hearts  with  love,  with  love  divine, 
Thou  bounteous  source  of  all  our  store 
Come  warm  our  hearts  with  love. 

Come  Holy  Ghost,  &o. 


A 


HYMNS. 


197 


Come  Thou  of  Comforters  the  best, 

Come  Thou,  the  soul’s  delightful  guest, 
Como  Thou,  the  soul’s  delightful  guest, 
The  Pilgrim’s  street  relief. 

Come  Holy  Ghost,  <fcc. 

Thou  art  our  rest  in  toil  and  sweat; 
Refreshment  in  excessivo  heat; 
Refreshment  in  excessive  hoat, 

And  our  solace  in  all  grief. 

Como  Holy  Ghost,  &c. 

0  Sacred  Light!  Shoot  home  Thy  darte, 
0  pierce  the  centre  of  these  hearts, 

0  pierco  the  centre  of  these  hearts, 
Whose  faith  aspires  to  Thee! 

Come  Holy  Ghost,  &c. 

0  grant  Thy  faithful,  dearest  Lord  ! 
Whose  only  hope  is  Thy  sure  word. 
Whose  only  hope  is  Thy  sure  word. 

The  seven  gifts  of  Thy  Spirit. 

Come  Holy  Ghost,  <fcc. 

Grant  us  in  life  to  obey  Thy  grace. 
Grant  us  at  death  to  see  Thy  face. 

And  everlasting  joys  inherit; 

And  everlasting  joys  inherit — 

Grant  us  at  death  to  see  Thy  face 
And  endless  joys  inherit. 

Come  Holy  Ghost,  <fcc. 


SOLDIERS  OF  CHRIST. 

Soldiers  of  Christ !  arise ! 

And  put  your  armour  on, 

Strong  in  the  strength  which  God  euppliea 
Through  his  eternal  Son  ; 


i 


198 


HYMNS. 


Strong  is  the  Lord  of  hosts, 

And  in  His  mighty  power, 

Who  in  the  strength  of  Jesus  trusts. 
Is  more  than  conqueror. 

Soldiers  of  Christ !  arise  ! 

The  God  of  armies  calls 
Unto  his  mansions  in  the  skies — 

His  everlasting  halls  : 

Lo  !  the  angel  host  appears 
To  welcome  you  to  bliss ; 

0  !  what  is  earth,  its  sighs  and  tears, 
Its  joys  compared  to  this. 

Crush’d  is  the  haughty  foe, 

His  might,  his  glory  gone, 

But  ye,  with  victory  crown’d  shall  go 
To  Christ’s  eternal  throne. 

There  shall  the  conqueror  rest. 

And  in  that  blest  abode, 

Forever  reign  amid  the  blest, 
Triumphant  with  his  God. 


HYMN  TO  ST.  ROSE  OP  LIMA. 

First  flowret  of  the  desert  wild ! 

Whose  leaves  the  sweets  of  grace  exhale, 
We  greet  thee,  Lima’s  s  in  ted  child— 

Bose  of  America - all  hail ! 

When  first  appear’d  the  infant  smile, 
Beaming  upon  thy  features  meek, 

It  seemed  as  if  there  blushed,  the  while. 
The  Bose-bud  on  thy  Virgin  cheek, 

And  honce  thy  name,  St.  Bose,  was  given. 
Not  by  thy  earthly  parent’s  choico. 

But  by  the  holy  Queen  of  heaven. 

Who  bade  thee  in  that  name  rejoice. 


HYMNS. 


199 


Transplanted  from  the  worldly  gaze, 

Which  sometimes  taints  the  fairest  flowers. 
In  solitude  thou  lov’d’st  to  praise 
Thy  spouse  amid  Religion's  bowers. 

There  oft  thy  mind,  too  pure,  too  high, 

For  this  low  world  of  sin  and  strife. 

Held  blest  communion  with  the  sky, 
Enjoying  heaven  in  mortal  life. 

And  once,  amid  thy  rapturous  prayer, 

Thy  heavenly  Spouse  himself  came  down, 
Most  sweetly  breathing  in  thine  ear, 

“  Rose  of  my  heart,  receive  thy  crown.” 

And  whilst  amid  his  glories  now, 

Thou  soest  him  face  to  face — oh  deign, 

St.  Rose,  to  hear  thy  suppliants  vow, 

That  grace  and  glory  wo  may  gain. 


ST.  CECILIA. 

Let  the  deep  organ  swell  the  lay, 

In  honour  of  this  festive  day, 

And  let  harmonious  choirs  proclaim 
Cecilia’s  ever  blessed  name: 

Rome  gave  the  Virgin  Martyr  birth. 

Whose  memory  has  fill’d  the  earth, 

Who,  in  the  early  dawn  of  youth, 

Had  fix’d  her  heart  on  God  and  truth : 

t 

Thence  from  the  world’s  bewild’ring  strife. 
In  peace  she  spent  her  holy  life, 

Teaching  the  organ  to  combine 
With  voioo,  to  praise  the  Lamb  divine : 


200 


HYMNS. 


When  hade  forthwith  her  faith  deny. 

And  with  the  pagan  rites  comply. 

She  nobly  chose  the  bath  of  fire, 

There  to  be  tortur’d  and  expire : 

But  there  the  virgin  felt  no  pain, 

One  night  and  day  did  she  remain, 

When,  roused  by  vengeance,  with  a  blow. 
The  lictor  laid  the  Martyr  low. 

Cecilia,  with  a  two-fold  crown, 

Adorn’d  in  heav’n,  we  pray,  look  down 
Upon  thy  pious  vot’ries  hero, 

And  hearken  to  their  humble  pray’r. 


BENEDETTE  SIA  BA  MADRE. 

0  blest  fore’er  the  Mother, 

And  Virgin  full  of  grace, 

Who  bore  our  God  !  our  Brother! 

The  Saviour  of  our  race. 

Sweet  Jesus  !  low  before  Theo, 

We  bend  in  fear  and  love, 

0  grant  we  may  adore  Thee, 

In  Thy  bright  realms  above. 

D.  C.  Sweet  Jesus,  &o. 

Pure  as  the  light  of  heav’n, 

In  meekness,  nearest  Thee, 

*Tis  Thou  hast  Mary  given, 

Our  guide,  our  friend  to  be. 
Sweet  Mother  !  tears  are  falling, 
From  hearts  that  love  thy  Son- 
Then  hear  thy  children  calling, 

On  Thee,  and  bless  thy  own. 

D.  C.  Sweet  Mother,  &o. 


HYMNS. 


201 


HYMN  OF  PRAISE  AND  JOY. 

Thee,  Sovereign  God  !  we  grateful  praise, 
And  greot  Thee,  Lord  !  in  festive  lays ; 

To  thee,  great  God  !  earth’s  boundless  frame. 
With  echoes  sounds  immortal  fame; 

Lord  God  of  hosts,  the  heav’nly  pow’rs, 

For  Thee  vibrate  the  vaulted  tow’rs. 

Cherubs  and  Seraphs  thron’d  on  high. 

Still  Holy,  Holy,  Holy  cry, 

Both  heav.en  and  earth  aloud  display, 

Thy  beauty,  grandeur,  majesty; 

Thy  praises  till  the  Apostles  choir; 

The  prophets  in  the  song  conspire. 

0  !  grant  us,  with  the  saints  above, 

To  share  thy  everlasting  love  ; 

Save,  Lord !  thy  people,  and  enhance, 

Thy  grace  on  thy  inheritance. 

Forever  rule  and  guide  their  ways, 

Each  day  we’ll  chant  aloud  thy  praise. 

No  age  shall  fail  to  extol  thy  name. 

No  hour  neglect  thy  lasting  famo ; 

Preserve  us,  Lord,  this  day  from  ill, 

Have  mercy,  Lord !  have  mercy  still, 

As  we  have  hoped,  so  crown  our  pain, 

Nor  let  our  hope  in  Thee  be  vain. 


HYMN  TO  OUR  BLESSED  LADY.  FOR  THE  SOULS  III 
PURGATORY. 

0  turn  to  Jesus,  Mother !  turn, 

And  call  Him  by  his  tenderest  names ; 
Pray  for  the  Holy  Souls  that  burn 
This  hour  amid  the  cleansing  flames 


/ 


202 


HYMNS. 


* 

In  pains  beyond  all  earthly  pains, 
Favorites  of  Jesus  !  there  they  lie, 
Letting  the  fire  wear  out  their  stains, 
And  worshipping  God’s  purity. 

They  are  the  children  of  thy  tears  ; 

Then  hasten,  Mother  !  to  their  aid; 

In  pity  think  each  hour  appears 
An  age  while  glory  is  delay’d. 

See  how  they  bound  amid  their  fires. 

While  pain  and  love  their  spirits  fill  j 
Then  with  self-crucified  desires 

Utter  sweet  murmurs,  and  lie  still. 

0  Mary  !  let  thy  son  no  more 

His  lingering  Spouses  thus  expect; 
God’s  children  to  their  God  restore, 

And  to  the  spirit  his  elect. 

Pray  then,  as  thou  hast  ever  pray’d; 

Angels  and  Souls  all  look  to  thee ;  • 
God  waits  thy  prayers  for  he  hath  made 
Those  prayers  his  laws  of  charity. 


TO  ST.  JOSEPH. 

Holy  Patron  !  thee  saluting, 

Here  we  meet  with  hearts  Sincere, 
Bless’d  St.  Joseph,  all  uniting, 

Call  on  thee  to  hear  their  prayer. 
Happy  Saint !  in  bliss  adoring, 
Jesus,  Saviour  of  mankind, 
Hear  thy  children  thee  imploring, 
May  we  thy  protection  find. 

Worldly  dangers  for  them  fearing, 
Youthful  hearts  to  thee  we  bring, 


HYMNS. 


203 


Grant  in  virtue  persevering, 

Vice  may  ne’er  their  bosoms  sting. 

Happy  Saint,  &c. 

Thou,  who  faithfully  attended 
Him,  whom  heaven  and  earth  adore  : 

Who  with  pious  care  defended 
Mary,  Virgin  over  pure. 

Happy  Saint,  <tc. 

May  our  fervent  prayers  ascending, 
Move  thee  for  our  souls  to  plead, 

May  thy  smile  of  peace  descending, 
Benedictions  on  us  shed. 

Happy  Saint,  &c. 

Through  this  life,  oh !  watch  around  us, 
Fill  with  love  our  every  breath, 

And  when  parting  fears  surround  us, 
Guide  us  through  the  toils  of  death. 

Happy  Saint,  &c. 


HYMN  TO  ST.  PATRICK,  APOSTLE  OP  IRELAND. 

Hibernia’s  Champion  Saint,  all  hail! 

With  fadeless  glory  crown’d; 

The  offspring  of  your  ardent  zeal, 

This  day  your  praise  shall  sound. 

Great  and  glorious  St.  Patrick, 

Pray  fOr  that  dear  Country, 

The  Land  of  our  Fathers; 

Great  and  glorious  St.  Patrick, 

Hearken  to  the  prayer  of  thy  children. 

Borne  on  the  wings  of  charity, 

To  Erin’s  coast  you  flew, 

Bade  Satan  from  her  valleys  flee, 

And  his  dark  shrines  o’erthrew. 

Great,  <fcc. 


204 


HYMNS. 


Wand’ring  thro’  error's  gloomy  night. 

Our  sires  lost  their  way, 

You  cheer’d  their  hearts  with  heav’nly  light. 
With  truth’s  consoling  ray. 

Great,  <fcc. 

0 !  what  a  harvest  crown’d  thy  toil, 

The  earth,  long  curs’d,  was  bless’d : 

Each  lovely  virtue  graced  its  soil. 

The  sinner’s  heart  found  rest. 

Great,  &c. 

From  faith’s  bright  camp  the  demon  fled, 
The  path  to  heaven  was  clear’d, 

Religion  rais’d  her  beauteous  head, 

An  Isle  of  Saints  appear’d. 

Great,  &c. 

i 

To  God,  who  sent  thee  to  our  Isle, 

Be  endless  glory  given, 

0 !  may  He  ever  on  it  smile, 

And  lead  its  sons  to  heav’n. 

Great,  <fcc. 


HYMN  TO  OUR  GUARDIAN  ANGETi. 

0  God,  how  ought  my  grateful  heart, 
To  praise  Thy  bounteous  hand, 

Who  send’st  Thy  angel  from  above, 

To  be  my  guide  and  friend  1 

My  soul  is  surely  something  great, 
Meant  for  eternity: 

That  angels  thus  should  be  employ’d. 
In  watching  over  mo. 

Whilst  I  an  helpless  infant  was, 

With  every  tender  care 


nYMNS. 


205 


He  guarded  round  my  cradle’s  side; 

No  evil  could  come  near. 

Protected  by  His  heavenly  aid, 

How  safe  my  infancy  ! 

Though  death  and  danger  raged  around, 
They  harmless  pass’d  by  me. 

When  I,  within  my  mother’s  arms. 
Enjoy’d  her  fond  embrace, 

He  hov’ring  round  on  airy  wings. 
Divinely  did  me  bless. 

When  first  I  from  my  mother  learnt 
My  Jesus’  name  to  praise, 

He  softly  whisper’d  to  my  heart, 

“  How  sweet  are  all  His  ways !” 

And  now  when  morning  from  the  east, 
Sends  forth  her  golden  rays, 

Teach  mo  to  raise  my  heart  to  God, 

And  sing  His  glorious  praise. 

And  while  the  Sun  with  brighter  beams 
Is  shining  through  the  day, 

Let  every  action,  every  thought, 

My  love  to  Him  display. 

In  evening  when  the  cooling  breeze, 
Invites  to  sweet  repose, 

May  I,  in  grateful  thanks  to  Him, 

My  wearied  eyelids  close. 

Celestial  Guardian,  thus  with  thee, 

And  by  thy  constant  care, 

May  I  the  world’s  corruption  flee, 

Ami  hoav’nly  blessings  shore. 


THE  WAY  OE  SALVATION. 

RULES  OF  A  CHRISTIAN  LIFE. 

ON  THE  MEANS  OF  CONTINUING  IN  THE  GRACE  OF  GOD. 

It  is  necessary  to  be  fully  convinced  that 
in  order  to  obtain  salvation,  we  must  not 
only  desire  to  be  saved,  but  also  adopt  the 
means  of  being  saved  left  us  by  Jesus 
Christ.  If  we  fall  into  sin,  it  will  be  of 
no  avail  for  us  to  attempt  an  excuse  at  the 
day  of  judgment,  by  saying  that  our  temp¬ 
tations  were  very  strong  and  ourselves 
very  weak  :  because  Grod  gives  us  the 
means  of  overcoming  by  his  grace  all  the 
assaults  of  our  enemies;  if,  therefore,  we 
will  not  avail  ourselves  of  them,  and  are 
overcome,  the  fault  is  our  own.  All  per¬ 
sons  desire  to  be  saved,  but  the  greater 
part,  because  they  will  not  adopt  the  means 
of  being  saved,  fall  into  sins  and  are  lost. 

The  first  means  is  to  avoid  and  fly  from 
the  occasions  of  sin.  He  who  is  not  careful 
to  avoid  and  fly  from  the  occasions  of  sin, 
particularly  such  as  allure  him  to  sensual 
gratifications,  cannot  possibly  avoid  falling 
into  sin.  St.  Philip  Neri  said  :  “  In  the 
war  of  the  senses,  those  cowards  who  fly 
(20fl) 


THE  WAY  OF  SALVATION-.  207 


become  the  conquerors.”  The  occasion, 
when  not  fled  from,  becomes  as  a  bandage 
bound  over  our  eyes,  which  will  not  allow 
us  to  see  anything,  neither  God,  nor  hell, 
nor  our  former  good  resolutions.  The 
Scripture  tells  us,  that  it  is  impossible  tc 
walk  upon  burning  coals  and  not  be  burnt : 
Can  a  man  walk  upon ‘hot  coals  and  his 
feet  not  he  burnt  f — Prov.  vi.  28.  In  like 
manner,  it  is  morally  impossible  to  expose 
ourselves  voluntarily  to  the  danger  of  al 
luring  occasions  and  not  fall,  although  we 
may  have  made  a  thousand  resolutions  and  a 
thousand  promises  to  God.  The  truth  of 
this  is  proved  by  the  misfortune  of  so  many 
poor  souls  who  are  daily  carried  headlong 
into  vice,  because  they  will  not  fly  from 
dangerous  occasions.  And  he  who  is  ad¬ 
dicted  to  any  habit  of  impurity,  let  him 
know  that  to  restrain  himself,  it  will  not 
be  sufficient  to  avoid  merely  the  immediate 
occasions  of  temptations ;  if  he  will  not 
avoid  those  also  which  are  not  altogether 
immediate  occasions  he  will  be  very  easily 
overcome  and  will  fall.  Let  us  not  suffer 
ourselves  to  be  deceived  by  the  devil,  who 
tells  us  that  we  are  safe,  because  the  per¬ 
son  who  is  the  subject  of  temptation  to  us 
is  holy ;  it  often  happens  that,  the  more 


208  THE  WAY  OF  SALVATION. 


devout  such  a  person  is,  the  more  violent 
is  the  temptation.  St.  Thomas  of  Aquinas 
says,  that  the  most  holy  persons  have  the 
greatest  attractions.  The  temptation  be¬ 
gins  in  the  spirit  and  ends  in  the  flesh.  A 
great  servant  of  God,  Father  Sertorious 
Caputo,  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  observes 
that,  the  devil  first  endeavours  to  induce 
us  to  love  virtue  in  certaiu  pious  persons, 
and  then  to  love  the  persons  themselves, 
when  he  blinds  us  and  hurries  us  into  sin. 
It  is  necessary  also  to  avoid  wicked  com¬ 
panions  :  we  are  very  weak,  the  devil  is 
continually  tempting  us,  and  the  senses 
alluring  us  to  evil,  yet  the  influence  of 
one  wicked  companion  will  more  easily 
overcome  us  than  all  these.  The  first 
thing  therefore  that  we  must  do  to  be 
saved,  is  to  keep  ourselves  at  a  distanee 
from  dangerous  occasions  and  wicked  com¬ 
panions.  And  in  this  it  is  necessary  to 
use  violence  with  ourselves,  and  overcome 
all  human  respect.  He  who  does  not  use 
violence  with  himself,  will  not  be  saved. 
It  is  true,  we  are  not  to  confide  in  our  own 
strength,  but  only  in  the  divine  assistance; 
but  God  requires  of  us  on  our  part  to  do 
violence  to  ourselves  in  order  to  obtain 
heaven.  The  kingdom  of  heaven  svffereth 


THE  WAY  OF  SALVATION.  209 


violence ,  and  the  violent  hear  it  away. — 
St.  Matt.  xi.  12. 

The  second  means  is  mental  prayer. 
Without  this  it  will  be  difficult  for  the  soul 
to  continue  long  in  the  grace  of  God.  In 
all  thy  works ,  says  the  Holy  Spirit,  remem¬ 
ber  thy  last  end ,  and  thou  shalt  never  sin. 
— Eccl.  vii.  40.  He  who  frequently  me¬ 
ditates  on  his  last  end,  upon  death,  judg¬ 
ment,  hell  and  heaven,  will  not  fall  into 
sin :  but  these  truths  are  not  to  be  dis¬ 
cerned  by  the  eyes,  but  only  by  the  mind ; 
if  they  be  not  dwelt  upon,  they  vanish 
from  the  mind ;  and  the  pleasures  of  sense 
presenting  themselves  easily  gain  admittance 
into  the  hearts  of  those  who  do  not  keep  in 
mind  the  eternal  truths ;  and  hence  it  is 
that  so  many  abandon  themselves  to  vice 
and  are  lost.  All  Christians  know  and 
believe  that  they  must  die,  and  must  be 
judged  after  death ;  but  because  they  do 
not  think  of  these  things,  they  live  at  a  dis¬ 
tance  from  God.  Without  mental  prayer 
we  can  have  no  light,  but  must  walk  in 
the  dark,  and  walking  in  the  dark  we  can¬ 
not  perceive  dangers,  we  cannot  take  pre¬ 
cautions;  we  ask  not  God  for  his  assist¬ 
ance,  and  thus  we  must  be  lost.  Without 
prayer  there  is  neither  light  nor  strength 

14 


210  THE  WAY  OF  SALVATION. 


for  us  to  walk  forward  in  the  way  of  God, 
because  without  prayer  we  ask  not  God  to 
give  us  his  help ;  and  hence  not  praying 
we  must  certainly  fall.  Hence  Cardinal 
Bellarmin  says,  that  it  is  morally  impossi¬ 
ble  for  a  Christian  who  does  not  meditate 
upon  eternal  truths  to  continue  in  the 
grace  of  God.  On  the  contrary,  he  who 
meditates  every  day,  will  not  easily  fall 
into  sin ;  and  if  by  some  misfortune  he 
should  fall,  he  will,  by  a  continuance  in 
prayer,  soon  arise  and  return  again  to 
God.  A  servant  of  God  once  said  : 
“  Mental  prayer  and  mortal  sin  can  never 
exist  together.”  Resolve,  therefore,  to 
make  every  day,  either  in  the  morning,  cr 
in  the  evening,  but  better  in  the  morning, 
half  an  hour’s  meditation.  For  the  rest, 
it  is  sufficient  to  read  during  the  half  hour 
some  book  of  meditations,  and  excite  within 
you  from  time  to  time  some  pious  affec¬ 
tion,  and  make  some  prayer  to  God. 
Above  all,  I  beseech  you  never  to  relinquish 
this  kind  of  prayer,  but  to  make  it  at  least 
once  in  the  day,  although  you  should  be  in 
great  dryness  of  spirit,  and  should  find  it 
very  irksome.  If  you  continue  faithful  to 
it,  you  will  assuredly  be  saved. 

Together  with  prayer  it  is  of  great  use 


THE  WAT  OE  SALVATION.  211 


to  be  diligent  in  spiritual  reading,  out  of 
some  book  that  treats  of  the  holy  lives  of 
the  saints,  or  of  the  Christian  virtues;  and 
this  for  half  an  hour,  or  at  least  a  quarter 
of  an  hour  every  day.  How  many  by 
reading  some  devout  book  have  changed 
their  lives  andNbecome  saints!  St.  John 
Columbinus,  St.  Ignatius,  and  so  many 
others.  It  would  also  be  very  useful 
every  year  to  make  a  retreat  in  some  re¬ 
ligious  house.  But  at  least  never  fail  to 
make  your  meditation  every  morning. 

The  third  means  is  the  frequenting  of 
the  Sacraments  of  Penance  and  the  Holy 
Communion.  By  confession  the  soul  is 
kept  purified,  and  by  it  not  only  are  our 
faults  forgiven  us,  but  additional  helps  are 
obtained  for  us  for  resisting  temptations. 
And  for  this  end  you  have  your  director; 
always  confess  to  him  and  not  to  another, 
and  consult  him  on  all  affairs  of  importance, 
even  though  they  be  of  a  temporal  nature; 
and  obey  him  in  everything,  particularly 
if  you  are  troubled  with  scruples.  He  who 
obeys  his  director  never  need  be  afraid  of 
doing  wrong.  He  who  hears  you ,  hears 
me. — St.  Luke,  x.  16.  The  voice  of  your 
director  is  the  voice  of  God. 

The  Holy  Communion  is  called  heavenly 


212  THE  WAY  OF  SALVATION. 


bread ;  because  as  earthly  bread  maintains 
the  life  of  the  body,  so  does  the  Holy 
Communion  maintain  the  life  of  the  soul : 
Unless  you  eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  Man , 
you  shall  not  have  life  in  you. — St.  John 
vi.  54.  On  the  contrary,  to  him  who  fre¬ 
quently  eats  of  this  bread,  is  promised 
eternal  life :  If  any  man  eat  of  this  bread 
he  shall  live  for  ever. — Ibid.  52.  Hence 
the  Council  of  Trent  (Sess.  13,  c.  2,)  calls 
the  Holy  Communion  a  u  Medicine  which 
frees  us  from  venial  sins,  and  preserves  us 
from  mortal  ones.”  Resolve,  therefore, 
to  communicate  at  least  every  eight  days, 
with  a  determination  not  to  allow  any 
worldly  affair  to  prevent  you  from  so  doing; 
there  is  no  affair  of  greater  importance  than 
eternal  salvation.  Besides,  the  more  you 
are  in  the  world,  the  greater  need  have 
you  of  spiritual  help,  because  you  are  ex¬ 
posed  to  greater  temptations. 

The  fourth  means  is  to  hear  Mass  every 
morning.  When  we  assist  at  Mass  we 
give  more  honour  to  God  than  all  the  angels 
and  saints  in  heaven  give  him,  because 
their  honour  is  only  that  of  creatures  ;  but 
in  the  Mass  we  offer  to  God  Jesus  Christ, 
who  gives  him  infinite  honour. 

The  fifth  means  is  to  visit  the  Blessed 


THE  WAY  OF  SALVATION.  213 


Sacrament  every  day,  Jesus  Christ  remains 
upon  so  many  altars  in  so  many  churches 
to  bestow  favours  upon  all  those  who  come 
to  visit  him ;  and  hence  those  who  practice 
this  beautiful  devotion  derive  innumerable 
benefits  from  it.  The  graces  which  you 
should  particularly  seek  for  in  your  visits, 
are  the-  love  of  God  and  holy  perseve¬ 
rance  to  the  end  of  your  life. 

The  sixth  means,  which  above  all  others 
I  recommend  you  practice,  is  holy  prayer. 
It  is  certain  that  we  cannot,  without  the 
help  of  God,  do  the  least  good  for  our 
souls  :  and  God  declares  he  will  not  bestow 
on  us  his  help  unless  we  ask  him  for  it : 
Ash,  and  it  shall  he  given  to  you . — St. 
Matt.  vii.  7.  Hence  St.  Teresa  says  :  “  he 
who  asks  not,  receives  not.”  Hence  also 
that  common  sentence  of  the  Holy  Fa¬ 
thers  and  divines  with  St.  Thomas,  that 
“  without  prayer  it  is  impossible  to  perse¬ 
vere  in  the  grace  of  God  and  to  be  saved.” 
But  he  who  prays  is  secure  of  God’s  assist¬ 
ance;  who  have  his  word  for  it,  which 
cannot  fail,  and  repeated  many  times  in  the 
sacred  Gospels  :  All  things ,  whatsoever  you 
ash ,  when  you  pray ,  believe  that  you  shall 
receive  ;  and  they  shall  come  unto  you. — St. 
Mark,  xi.  24.  Every  one  that  asheth ,  re - 


214  THE  WAY  OF  SALVATION. 


ceiveth. — St.  Luke,  xi.  10.  Amen,  amen ,  1 
say  to  you  :  if  you  ask  the  Father  anything 
in  my  name ,  he  will  give  it  you. — St.  John, 
xvi.  23.  God  grants  whatever  is  asked  for  in 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ.  If  then  we  would 
he  saved,  we  must  pray,  aud  this  too  with 
humility,  confidence,  and  above  all,  with 
perseverance.  And  hence  it  is  that  medi¬ 
tation  is  of  so  much  use;  because  by  it 
we  are  reminded  to  pray ;  we  should  other¬ 
wise  forget  it,  and  thus  should  be  lost. 
St.  Teresa  writes,  that  through  the  desire 
which  she  had  that  all  might  be  saved,  she 
could  have  wished  to  ascend  a  high 
mountain,  and  thence  to  make  herself 
heard  by  all  men,  saying  only  this  word : 
i(  Pray,  pray.”  The  ancient  fathers  of  ' 
the  desert,  in  their  conferences,  concluded 
that  there  was  no  better  way  of  obtaining 
salvation  than  to  repeat  continually  that 
prayer  of  David  :  “  Incline  unto  my  aid , 
O  God ;  0  Lord ,  make  haste  to  help  me.” 
Let  us  endeavour  to  do  this.  Or  let  us 
repeat  that  beautiful  ejaculation  of  the 
Venerable  Father  Leonardo  da  Porto 
Maurigio  :  my  Jesus,  mercy!”  The 

two  principal  graces  we  should  always  seek 
for  (as  I  have  said  above)  are  the  love  of 
God  and  holy  perseverance.  And  these 


THE  WAY  OF  SALTATION.  215 

graces  we  should  ask  for  through  the  inter¬ 
cession  of  the  most  holy  Mary,  who  is 
called  the  dispenser  of  all  the  divine 
graces ;  and  when  we  pray  to  her,  she 
will  obtain  them  for  us  from  God.  Hence 
St.  Bernard  exhorts  all :  “  Let  us  seek 
grace,  and  let  us  seek  it  through  Mary; 
because  what  she  seeks  she  finds,  and  can¬ 
not  be  refused.” 


THE  END. 


1  / 
!' 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


88 


MAR^9  1990 

NOV  2  3  2001 


86778 


BT  965  . B6>; 

Boudori i  Henri  Marie*  1624 
1702. 

The  glories  of  the  hols 
angels  / 


i 

Bapst  Library 

Boston  College 


Chestnut  Hill,  Mass.  02167 


